How has technology been used by older people in Wales to build connections?

If you are over 65 years and live in Wales and have experience in using technology to build your social connections or you have views on using technology in this way, researchers need your help.

The last year has been a year like no other. The stay-at-home message and social distancing guidelines have restricted social activities for people of all ages. This has meant that many have felt lonely or socially isolated because face-to-face contact has been difficult. Although technology has been by used people to help address the challenge and enable people to build social connections, but it hasn’t been accessible to all. This is something that Cardiff University and Bath university are exploring.

The team are looking for 12 older people, to help advise on their research project about how technology has been used among older people in Wales to build social connections. The research aims to support the Welsh Government, public services, and communities, to improve the ways in older people can be supported to maintain and build social connections.

All you need is access to a telephone or video conferencing to take part. If you need support to use video conferencing, the team can help with this.

You will help the research team by reviewing and providing feedback on research materials (such as interview questions) and draft reports of findings from the research.

The group will meet approximately twice between August 2021 and February 2022, either over the telephone or via video conferencing, whichever you prefer. There will also be the option to contribute via post. The team will send materials to review in ahead of these meetings. They may also ask for your opinion between group meetings too. Anyone involved in the advisory group will also be offered one £20 voucher as a thank you for your contributions.

If you would like to be involved or if you have any questions, please contact Dr Deborah Morgan through email at D.J.Morgan@swansea.ac.uk or telephone on 07485 529201 by 6 August