Abstract

Through the quality of modern medicine and improved access to health information, life expectancy has risen dramatically. Improvements in healthcare delivery are leading to a significant growth in the size of the older adult population, aged 55 and over, which is currently the fastest-growing population sector internationally. According to data from World Population Prospects, the 2019 Revision, by 2050, one in every six people in the world will be over the age of 55, or 16%. Many studies reference the age range of 65 or above when discussing older adults. Information communication technology (ICT), which includes cellular phones, smartphones, tablets, and the internet, is on the rise in the older adult community, and among older adults aged 55 and older. The use of technology by older adults can increase successful aging and reduce social isolation. Social isolation has become a serious health risk among a growing population as 25% of all adults 55 years of age and older report feeling socially isolated. Serious disease and illness have been linked to a greater extent to socially isolated older adults, including higher rates of dementia, obesity, strokes, and heart disease as also detailed in the 2020 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This study demonstrates that ICT has the potential to reduce the harmful effects of social isolation by providing a variety of ways for adults aged 55 and older to stay connected.

Keywords:ICT; Smartphones; Tablets; Internet; Social isolation; Older adults; Seniors