The benefits of and constraints to participation in seniors’ online communities

Abstract

Participation in seniors' online communities is a significant trend in elders' leisure use of the Internet. Based on an online survey of 218 members of 16 communities, this study explored the experience of participation in such communities. Results identified seven psychological benefits resulting from participation, the most salient being ‘Joyfulness’, ‘Stimulation’ and ‘Companionship’. Analysis also revealed various positive impacts on members' offline social life, interests and activities, as well as instrumental contribution. Negative experiences and several constraints to participation were discovered as well. Still, the findings suggest that the communities offer various mechanisms for enhancing seniors' well-being and promoting successful ageing.

参与老年人的网上社区是年长者使用互联网进行休闲的显著趋势。本研究根据对16个社区的218成员的进行网上调查, 探讨了在参与这种社区中的体验。结果鉴定出参与社区造成7个心理上的好处, 其中最突出的是“愉悦”, “刺激”和“陪伴”。分析结果还显示出对成员的离线社会生活、兴趣和活动以及器乐的使用产生了各种积极影响。也发现了负面影响和制约因素。尽管如此, 调查结果显示,社区提供的各种机制能够提高老年人的福祉, 促进成功老化。

A participação em comunidades virtuais de idosos é um tema significativo na utilização da internet como lazer para idosos. Baseado em uma pesquisa online com 218 membros de 16 comunidades, este estudo explorou a experiência de participação em tais comunidades. Os resultados identificaram sete benefícios psicológicos resultantes dessa participação, sendo “alegria”, “estímulo” e “companhia” os mais proeminentes. A análise também revelou vários impactos positivos na vida social, interesses e atividades off-line dos membros, assim como uma contribuição instrumental. Experiências negativas e diversas outras limitações à participação também foram encontradas. Apesar disso, os achados sugerem que as comunidades oferecem diversos mecanismos para aumentar o bem estar de idosos e promover o envelhecimento sadio.

Keywords:

• Internet
• E-leisure
• virtual communities
• older adults
• psychological well-being
• successful ageing

关键词:

• 网络
• 电子休闲
• 虚拟交流
• 老年人
• 心理福祉
• 成功老化

Palavras Chave:

• Internet
• lazer online
• comunidades virtuais
• adultos idosos
• bem-estar psicológico
• envelhecimento sadio

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to express her appreciation to Dr Howard E.A. (Tony) Tinsley, who graciously provided her information about his research and a copy of the PAL-E questionnaire for use in this study. The author also wholeheartedly thanks the administrators of the following communities for their collaboration: Age Concern, Age Net, Circles of Friends, Florida Retirement Forums, Fifty Plus forum, My Senior Portal, Pensioners Forum, The over 50 Golden Group, Third Age, Your Life Choices and 50 Plus Forum.