Activating and Guiding the Engagement of Seniors with online social networking: Experimental findings from the AGES 2.0 project

Morton, Thomas; Wilson, Neil; Haslam, Catherine; Birney, Megan E.; Kingston, Rosemary; McCloskey, Lauren-Grace

dc.contributor.author	Morton, Thomas	*
dc.contributor.author	Wilson, Neil	*
dc.contributor.author	Haslam, Catherine	*
dc.contributor.author	Birney, Megan E.	*
dc.contributor.author	Kingston, Rosemary	*
dc.contributor.author	McCloskey, Lauren-Grace	*
dc.date.accessioned	2016-07-22T12:22:56Z
dc.date.available	2016-07-22T12:22:56Z
dc.date.issued	2016-08-16
dc.identifier.citation	Morton, T. A., Wilson, N., Haslam, C., Birney, M., Kingston, R., & McCloskey, L.-G. (2016). Activating and guiding the engagement of seniors with online social networking: Experimental findings from the AGES 2.0 Project. Journal of Aging and Health, 30(1), 27-51. doi: 10.1177/0898264316664440	en
dc.identifier.issn	0898-2643
dc.identifier.doi	10.1177/0898264316664440
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10034/617376
dc.description.abstract	Objectives: Guided by theoretical and empirical work attesting to the health benefits of social connections, we tested whether internet connectivity, and training in its use for social purposes, can support the well-being of older adults receiving care. Methods: Participants (N = 76) were randomly assigned to receive 3 months training versus care-as-usual. Cognitive and mental health were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Results show significant cognitive improvements across time in the training, but not control, group. This effect was mediated through a combination of increased social activity, improved self-competence, and maintained personal identity strength. Indirect effects on mental health outcomes via these processes were also observed. Discussion: These findings suggest that internet access and training can support the self and social connectedness of vulnerable older adults and to contribute positively to well-being.
dc.language.iso	en	en
dc.publisher	SAGE Publications	en
dc.rights.uri	http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/	en
dc.subject	Computers	en
dc.subject	Internet	en
dc.subject	Social Connections	en
dc.subject	Cognitive Capacity	en
dc.subject	Well-being	en
dc.title	Activating and Guiding the Engagement of Seniors with online social networking: Experimental findings from the AGES 2.0 project	en
dc.type	Article	en
dc.identifier.eissn	1552-6887
dc.contributor.department	University of Exeter; University of Queensland	en
dc.identifier.journal	Journal of Aging and Health	en
dc.date.accepted	2016-07-17
or.grant.openaccess	Yes	en
rioxxterms.funder	European Commission's Programme for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (PROGRESS: 2007-2013)	en
rioxxterms.identifier.project	European Commission's Programme for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (PROGRESS: 2007-2013)	en
rioxxterms.version	AM	en
rioxxterms.versionofrecord	https://doi.org/10.1177/0898264316664440
rioxxterms.licenseref.startdate	2016-08-16
html.description.abstract	Objectives: Guided by theoretical and empirical work attesting to the health benefits of social connections, we tested whether internet connectivity, and training in its use for social purposes, can support the well-being of older adults receiving care. Methods: Participants (N = 76) were randomly assigned to receive 3 months training versus care-as-usual. Cognitive and mental health were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Results show significant cognitive improvements across time in the training, but not control, group. This effect was mediated through a combination of increased social activity, improved self-competence, and maintained personal identity strength. Indirect effects on mental health outcomes via these processes were also observed. Discussion: These findings suggest that internet access and training can support the self and social connectedness of vulnerable older adults and to contribute positively to well-being.