The Role of Social Support in Enhancing the Use of digital Applications among the Elderly "A Field Study on a Sample of their Caregivers in the Household"

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the role of social support in enhancing the use of modern applications among the elderly from the perspective of their caregivers in the household. The study adopted a social survey approach and utilized a purposive sample consisting of Family members accompanying me older adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a total of 310 participants. A questionnaire tool was used to collect data, and the study yielded a set of results, the most significant of which was the high level of challenges faced by older adults in using digital applications, with a mean of 4.13. also, there were statistically significant differences between males and females and between working individuals and retirees in the level of challenges they face in using digital applications, at a significance level of (a<0.05). Challenges faced by older adult females in using digital applications were greater than those faced by males, and the challenges faced by retired older adults were greater than those faced by those still working. The results also indicated the availability of family and social support for older adults in relation to the use of digital applications, with a mean of 3.88. Moreover, the results showed a strong impact of family and social support on the ability of older adults to use digital applications and digital technology skills. These effects are associated with independence, social interaction, and digital technology skills. Finally, the results supported the proposed strategies to enhance the role of social support in improving the use of digital applications among older adults, with a mean of 4.16 from the perspective of social services. The study concluded with a set of suggestions and recommendations.