JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital agency refers to an individual's ability to use information and communication technology to meet personal preferences and needs, while also ensuring safety, security, and independence. However, the concept of digital agency for immigrant and refugee older adults (IROA) has not been thoroughly studied.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to explore how IROAS interact with technology in their lives, their digital competence, and exercise of digital agency.

Methods:

This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach, using the DigComp 2.2 framework, to explore this topic. Two community partner organizations aided recruitment strategies and space for group-based digital learning sessions. Participants were involved in multiple qualitative data collection methods, inclusive of semi-structured interviews, focus groups, observations, and iterative co-design cycles. Through reflexive thematic data analysis, patterns in the research were identified.

Results:

A total of 31 IROAs participated in the study. The findings revealed that the digital agency of IROAs is influenced by their access to information, engagement in digital communication, and ability to troubleshoot. Participants also faced challenges in exercising agency in a post-migration context due to intersecting barriers of digital competence and language skills, which impeded their access to resources and services for aging in place.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the urgent need to address the specific learning requirements of IROAs in order to prevent their marginalization and digital exclusion. Thus, it is essential to develop accessible and engaging group-based educational initiatives that cater to the unique needs of older immigrants.