Impact of Technology on Late Adulthood: A Qualitative Analysis

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Page: 81-85

Aditya Yadav, Dhruv Goyal, Tanisha Routray, Aayan Karmakar, Saanvi Tyagi, Chehak Saini and Nirupuma Yadav (Department of Applied Psychology, Ramanujan College, University of Delhi, Delhi)

Technology has become the backbone of our existence as it plays a significant role in the advancement and growth of human lives. Science and technology have brought magnificent changes towards the betterment of humanity, and it is necessary to understand it’s impact on our lives. The present paper examines the impact of technology on successful ageing, which is characterized by physical health, cognitive function, and active social engagement, which are crucial for enhancing the quality of life. While technology enhances connectivity, access to information and opportunities for self-growth and engagement, it also presents challenges such as digital literacy barriers, challenges faced due to physical ailments and feelings of intimidation and anxiety while using new technologies. In order to study the impact of technology on the lives of people in their late adulthood, a qualitative study was done with the help of semi- structured interview schedule incorporating thematic content analysis upon a sample of 15 elderly individuals residing in urban areas of Delhi within the age range of 60-70. The results expressed that there were both some positive and negative impacts of technology on the population of later adulthood as it came out to be helpful in tracking physical health, reducing workload, access to wide range of knowledge, a source of entertainment along with some negative impacts such as online frauds and scams, individual contrasting preferences, social isolation, depression, frustration and overreliance on devices. It is suggested that society can guarantee that older adults benefit fully from the digital age by empowering them with knowledge and assistance.