Senior Connectedness
Insights on connectedness and technology use among older Australians
This foundational Shaping Connections project explored how technology influences social connectedness among older Australians.
Working collaboratively with older adults and community partners, the research examined how digital technologies can support or hinder participation, relationships and wellbeing, providing practical insights to improve digital inclusion and social connection.
Why this research matters
Social connection is an important part of healthy ageing and wellbeing. While technology can strengthen relationships and participation, it can also create new barriers when people lack confidence, support or appropriate learning opportunities.
This research explored digital inclusion through a human lens: not simply whether older adults use technology, but whether it helps them stay connected, participate and engage with the world around them.
What the research explored
1
What connectedness means to older Australians
2
How technology supports relationships and participation
3
Barriers to meaningful digital participation
4
How older adults learn and build digital confidence
The research also examined the social networks that influence technology adoption and confidence, including family, peers, community education and online resources.
What we learned
Technology is a double edged sword. Under the right conditions it can lead to connectedness, community engagement and all sorts of social inclusion but under the wrong conditions it can actually create more barriers.
Prof Bernardo Figueiredo
How older adults learn about technology
Older adults tend to build digital confidence through learning that is relevant, self-paced and supported by people they trust. The research identified three particularly important sources of support.
Family
Family can play an important role in helping older adults navigate technology, although the quality and patience of that support matters.
Peer and community learning
Community settings such as U3A provide opportunities to learn alongside people with similar experiences, often allowing participants to move between the roles of learner and teacher.
Online resources
Search engines, videos and other online resources can supplement personal support by allowing people to find answers and learn at their own pace.
Watch the research insights
The prime difficulty (with seniors) tends to be the fear of using technology – will they be scammed, will they break the computer or make mistakes? We find that as seniors learn more about technology, try new strategies and share information with friends, they gain confidence.
Glenn Wall, Vice President, U3A Network Victoria
Research impact
This foundational project established many of the concepts that continue throughout the Shaping Connections research program. It showed that technology adoption is a social process, not simply a technical one, and that digital inclusion is strongly influenced by relationships, confidence and access to trusted support.
The research helped establish the importance of peer learning, community education and designing digital experiences around the needs and priorities of older adults.
Impact in practice
The research informed practical strategies to help organisations strengthen inclusion, participation and community engagement for older adults.
Building on this research
Foundational research - How Older Adults Learn Technology
Senior Connectedness built on earlier foundational research exploring how older adults learn about technology and who they turn to for support. That research highlighted the importance of family, community learning and online resources in building digital confidence. Explore the foundational research.
Perceived Digital Technology Risks
Senior Connectedness extended this work by exploring the broader relationship between technology, social connectedness and inclusion among older Australians. Its findings then led to the next phase of Shaping Connections research, examining how perceived risks, fears and barriers can influence older adults' engagement with digital technology.
Perceived Digital Technology Risks
Understanding the risks and concerns that can prevent older adults from engaging confidently with digital technology
Examining how older adults perceive risks when using digital technology, and how these concerns can affect confidence, engagement and digital inclusion.
