The Impact of Using Personal Computers on the Lives of Nursing Home Residents

The results of a study of the implementation and use of computerized tools with residents of a home for the aged and a day-care center in Israel are presented. The goals of the project were to study the willingness and ability of nursing-home residents to use personal computers, their preferences in software, and the influence that the use of computers might have on the quality of their lives. Participating residents were divided into a research group and control group. The results of the study indicate that the computer was used by residents, that men used the computer for longer periods than did women, and that, self-esteem and life satisfaction improved in the research group because of the project. The characteristics of computerized tools and their relative use are considered. Guidelines are laid down for planning and application of computerized tools for elderly people in other settings.

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