Older and Online: Enhancing social connections in Australian rural places

Abstract

Community connectedness and social networks have established links to positive ageing, health and well-being. However, in much of rural Australia time and distance still exercise constraints on interactions outside of the immediate local environment; particularly for older people who may have additional challenges connecting with others because of restricted rural transport options, lack of knowledge and access to new technologies, and physical health limitations. The ‘Linking Rural Older People to Community through Technology’ project is a multi-phase project with people aged 55 years and over living in rural South Australia. This field report presents some short vignettes from the project pilot study of participants’ experiences using different aspects of new technologies to overcome the disadvantages of distance and mobility to enhance their social connections.