Television, radio, and telephone: Tools for reducing loneliness among older adults in Nigeria
B.U. Ojembe, M.E. Kalu
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AbstractBackground： Technology may play a vital role in the overall quality of
life of older adults, specifcally in reducing loneliness. However, there is limited evidence
on the experience of older adults in using certain technology in reducing loneliness especially in developing nations. We explored the experiences of older adults in Nigeria that
use technological devices (radio, television, and telephone) to reduce loneliness. Method： This phenomenological study was conducted using qualitative methods. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 15 older adults aged between 60 and 88 years. Data was
analysed using thematic analysis, adopting an interpretive approach. Results Two major
interconnected themes of benefts and barriers of using technology in reducing loneliness
among older adults emerged. While the benefts of using technology includes facilitation
of interaction, increasing the quality and quantity of social networks, feeling of anticipation and preferred face-to-face interaction; non-age friendly television and radio programs
and usage struggles emerged as barriers of using technology in reducing loneliness among
older adults in Nigeria. Older adults recommended for television and radio programs to
incorporate older adults’ specifc channels or programs. Although telephones seem outdated, older adults expressed mixed feelings on the use of mobile phones as a tool for
reducing loneliness. Conclusion： While there is a considerable potential use of radio, television and phones in reducing loneliness among older adults in Nigeria, there are specifc
suggestions for radio and television stations to enhance programs that are adaptable with
older adults. Mobile phone industries should develop smart phones that are age friendly
and can adequately serve the older adult population.Keywords: aging, loneliness, media, technology, Sub-Saharan Africa
B.U. Ojembe, M.E. Kalu (2019). Television, radio, and telephone: Tools for reducing loneliness among older adults in Nigeria. Gerontechnology, 18(1), 36-46
https://doi.org/10.4017/ gt.2019.18.1.004.00