Research Article
Purposeful social media as support platform: Communication frameworks for older adults requiring care
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/icst.pervasivehealth.2011.245965, author={Chris Norval and John Arnott and Nick Hine and Vicki Hanson}, title={Purposeful social media as support platform: Communication frameworks for older adults requiring care}, proceedings={Advances in Techniques and Technologies Assisting Care at Home}, publisher={IEEE}, proceedings_a={ATTACH}, year={2012}, month={4}, keywords={Social networking sites telecare older adults social media privacy}, doi={10.4108/icst.pervasivehealth.2011.245965} }- Chris Norval
John Arnott
Nick Hine
Vicki Hanson
Year: 2012
Purposeful social media as support platform: Communication frameworks for older adults requiring care
ATTACH
IEEE
DOI: 10.4108/icst.pervasivehealth.2011.245965
Abstract
Despite more and more people adopting Social Networking Sites (SNSs) such as Facebook, adults over 65 years of age still make up a relatively small percentage of those numbers. A perceived lack of purpose is suggested as one of the key issues surrounding the lack of interest of older adults, yet with health benefits associated with usage, such as increased social capital and community belonging, there is a unique opportunity present to develop social media that help carers stay in touch with patients and provide support when needed while providing these benefits. Technology can send information to carers, so an easy and secure framework for communication could provide significant emotional support for those who require it. Current work in the field suggests that such a platform could be designed and implemented to complement existing telecare systems.