U3A Online and Successful Aging: A Smart Way to Help Bridge the Grey Digital Divide

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Author(s): Rick Swindell (Griffith University, Australia), Peter Grimbeek (Griffith University, Australia)and Jan Heffernan (Queensland University of Technology, Australia)
Copyright: 2013
Pages: 18
Source title: Digital Literacy: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Information Resources Management Association (USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-1852-7.ch086

Keywords: Digital Literacy / Human Aspects of Technology / Information Science Reference / Library & Information Science

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Abstract

Population aging is refocusing aging policy away from mainly remedial actions towards low cost preventative interventions that keep older people independent and participating in their communities for longer. The purpose of this chapter is 3-fold: 1) to outline the elements of the successful aging model; 2) to explain the worldwide, self-help University of the Third Age (U3A) adult education program as a very low cost, successful aging organization; and 3) to discuss findings from two related studies of older adults who were members of a virtual U3A called U3A Online. Considerable anecdotal evidence shows that U3A Online is particularly valuable for people who are isolated from their mainstream communities by circumstances such as illness, disability or care giving. An email focus group with nine participants from three countries was conducted over a two year period, using the successful aging model as a guideline to examine the characteristics of these older people who are attracted to online learning. Results based on the combination of automated computer text analysis and manual text analysis techniques supported a conclusion that the Internet was an integral part of the lives of these participants, particularly those with serious health difficulties or profound hearing loss. Outcomes also supported a conclusion that electronic communication can reduce feelings of isolation and provide stimulating and enjoyable pastimes with the potential to assist older people in aging successfully.

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U3A Online and Successful Aging: A Smart Way to Help Bridge the Grey Digital Divide

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