The focus of this chapter is on demonstrating the utility of communication
technologies for increasing socialisation amongst rural and regional seniors. The chapter
starts with a review of the literature showing links between increased social interaction
and the well-being of seniors. Findings from two interpretive, ethnographic studies are
presented. The first initiative, introducing technology at a rural retirement village, and
the second initiative, introducing rural and regional seniors to online social interaction,
both illustrate that technology can improve seniors’ well-being and decrease social
isolation. Motivations of retirement village staff, peer trainers and seniors who were
novice Internet users are explored. The value of peer training, accessibility and the need
novice senior Internet users have for more time to learn to use communication
technologies were amongst the key findings.
Keywords: Aged, institutional care, interpretivism, rurality, socialising, tablet
computers, iPad, seniors, social interaction, isolation, community engagement,
laptop, farmers, Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, cognition, residential aged-care,
peer training, GreyPath, assistive technology.
