JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital technology is increasingly being used to deliver interventions and initiatives to support the wellbeing of older adults. However, few studies have conducted needs assessments to identify the future wellbeing service requirements of an older adult population and their preferred modes of delivery, whether via digital technology or in-person, or a combination of both (ie, a hybrid model).

Objective:

This study aims to investigate the requirements of a rural region in New Zealand to inform planning to meet the future wellbeing needs of its older adult population over the next 30 years

Methods:

In total, two focus group discussions and 10 interviews were held with participants using a combination of phone and video. A total of 33 adults aged ≥57 years participated. The participants were asked how they saw the future wellbeing needs of the older adult population evolving, the role of digital technology and/or in-person interactions to deliver wellbeing services, and perceived barriers to, and enablers of, digital technology for providing services. Focus group and interview transcripts were thematically analysed.

Results:

A total of 4 key wellbeing themes were identified across both focus group discussions and interviews with participants: “skills”, “services”, “spaces” and “social connection.” Each theme reflects the older adults’ interview responses in relation to questions about their demographic details and level of technology confidence.

Conclusions:

Results indicated that, within this rural regional population, older adults had limited understanding of, and low confidence in using digital technology. Although 57% of participants initially self-reported being very or somewhat confident using technology, most were unable to successfully engage in online focus groups. Meanwhile, digital technology is developing at a rapid pace, and as a result, we need to consider how to plan for the transition and bridge the gap identified between the current use of digital technology and its potential future use if technology is to support the older adults of the future. The findings indicate that older adults prefer to engage in-person, while trust is a barrier to digital technology use for some participants. The future offers many opportunities to support the wellbeing of individuals and communities through the application of the proposed 4 Ss Framework. Clinical Trial: N/A.