Smart technology could help tackle digital isolation and boost wellbeing of older adults 

The study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for using smart speakers to boost the wellbeing of over-65s who do not currently have access to digital technology, helping them to feel less lonely and isolated.

Lauren Makin, a psychology research assistant at Cardiff University, who is conducting the research, said the initial findings, presented at the BPS Cyberpsychology Section annual conference, suggest that tackling digital exclusion in this group could well reap benefits for some users.

"Some participants have been reporting wellbeing benefits from their speaker," Ms Makin said.

"Digital exclusion is more common among older adults and is increasingly a barrier to societal inclusion and access to services, from entertainment to health, with more and more appointments and bookings moving online.

 "Being hands-free and voice activated, the speakers are seen as more accessible and intuitive than other technology and are especially useful for those who have mobility issues that make using a mouse or typing difficult."

She added: "Participants use them to access music and ask questions. For example, one participant uses the speaker to check the spelling of words because they cannot read the small text in their dictionary."

Prior research by Charlotte Griffin, a PhD student at Cardiff University, has found that older adults who feel isolated are also likely to form 'relationships' with their smart speaker, often thinking of it as a friend or companion.

Ms Griffin conducted a survey of over 1500 smart speaker users across South Wales, and found that smart speakers were felt to be particularly useful for those with mobility issues or disabilities, or who are isolated or lonely, and older adults. These groups felt the smart speakers offered them a sense of independence and social connection.

Furthermore, Ms Griffin found that lower digital skills are associated with increased isolation and loneliness, limiting wellbeing.

This is useful information for the current study. Ms Makin said:

"While smart speakers can't replace human contact, they can act as a voice in the room and provide company, especially for those living alone."

A hundred older adults who do not currently own a smart speaker have been recruited to the study through housing associations in South Wales. They are given a smart speaker and shown how and what to use it for.

Participants are interviewed at three timepoints and are asked about disability, wellbeing, digital skills, loneliness, and isolation. They are also interviewed about their experience of using the smart speakers.

This current research aims to show if smart speakers can empower older people in social housing to live more independently and access digital services more easily.

"With a quarter of Wales' population due to reach 65 by 2030, and technology increasingly being sought as a solution in health and care settings, we see this as a vital piece of work."

The research, funded by Health and Care Research Wales, is due to be completed in autumn 2024. For any follow up questions or queries, Dr Georgina Powell, the principal investigator on these projects, can be contacted at [email protected]