Supporting older people coping in a digital society: comparing case studies in China and Finland

ABSTRACT

The use of information and communication technology (ICT) can enrich interactions and improve the quality of life of older people. However, some of them will face difficulties in dealing with digital technologies. Finland and China have conducted several projects coaching older people in using ICT. This article compares the different ways these social services are organised and maintained in two local projects. The data for this comparative case study were collected through participant observation and separate focus group interviews with three groups: older people, practitioners and volunteers. Despite enormous historical and cultural differences, the social service projects share similarities as multisectoral services. Support from the public sector and effectiveness in mobilising volunteers are the core reasons for the smooth implementation of these services. The results of this study may inform approaches to further social services that seek to improve the well-being of older people through ICT.

摘要: 信息和通信技术 (ICT) 的使用可以丰富互动并改善老年人的生活质量。然而, 一些老年人在使用数字技术方面面临困难。芬兰和中国开展了多个服务项目, 帮助老年人使用信息化设备。本研究比较了芬兰和中国两个社会服务项目在老年人使用ICT方面的不同组织和维护方式。采用比较案例研究的方法, 研究者通过参与观察和焦点小组访谈收集了老年人、从业人员和志愿者的数据。尽管芬兰和中国在历史和文化方面存在巨大差异, 但两个社会服务项目都是以多部门服务为特点。研究发现, 公共部门的支持和志愿者的动员是确保服务顺利实施的核心原因。本研究结果为进一步通过ICT改善老年人福祉的社会服务方法提供了参考。

KEYWORDS:

• Comparative case study
• older people
• ICT
• social services
• welfare mix

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. It can be accessed via: https://networkreadinessindex.org/.

2. https://vm.fi/digi-arkeen-neuvottelukunta.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Suomen Kulttuurirahasto.