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jha 2026, 29(1): 16-30 |
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Nikbazm R, Mohammadi A. Information and information technology needed by older adults,families and managers of elderly care centers. jha 2026; 29 (1) :16-30
URL: http://jha.iums.ac.ir/article-1-4699-en.html
URL: http://jha.iums.ac.ir/article-1-4699-en.html
1- Department of Computer Engineering, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran.
2- Department of Health Information Technology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran. ,a.mohammadi@kums.ac.ir
2- Department of Health Information Technology, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran. ,
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Declarations
Ethical considerations: This project was approved by the Ethics Committee of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences with the ethics code IR.KUMS.REC.1398.725.
Funding: This study was supported by Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences with grant number 980740. Funder had no roles in data collection, data analysis and preparation of the manuscript.
Conflicts of interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Authors’ contribution: Ali Mohammadi: Conceptualization, study design, data curation, methodology, validation, data analysis, resources, data management, writing– original draft, writing– review & editing, project administration, fund acquisition, final approval. Rojia Nikbazm: Methodology, validation, data analysis, data management, writing– original draft, writing– review & editing, supervision, project administration, fund acquisition, final approval.
Consent for publication: None
Data availability: The data supporting this study's findings are available from the corresponding author upon request.
AI deceleration: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools were not used to write the article
Acknowledgements: This study was conducted with financial support from Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences under number 980740. In addition, the project implementers would like to sincerely thank the officials of Elderly Centers, Aram, Saray Omid, Mehrnikan, and Kermanshah City Center.
Full-Text: (39 Views)
Introduction
Increased life expectancy and demographic transition toward an aging population are the result of improved health conditions, advances in health technologies and reduced mortality [1]. Population aging has affected most countries, including Iran, and has drawn considerable attention to aging-related issues [2]. In recent years, socio-economic development, decreased fertility rate and increased life expectancy have significantly altered the global population structure toward aging [3]. This trend has prompted the United Nations and many countries to implement policies addressing aging related challenges [2]. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines healthy aging as the process of maintaining functional ability that enables well-being in older age [4].
Statistics indicate that in 1950, no country had more than 11% of its population aged 65 and older. By 2000, the highest proportion had reached 18%. However, this proportion is projected to increase dramatically by 2050, potentially reaching 38% [5]. Projections suggest that in 2050, the number of individuals aged 60 years or older will exceed the number of adolescents aged 10 to 24 years. Currently, Japan, Finland and Italy have the oldest populations. Greece, Korea, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain are classified as the fastest-aging countries within the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries. Among the non-OECD countries, Brazil, China and Saudi Arabia are the fastest-aging countries [3,6]. According to the 2011 census, Iran’s population was 75 million, of which 2.8% were older adults; by 2016, the population had reached 80 million, with 9.3% aged 60 years and older. The number of older adults is projected to reach 14.4% by 2030 and 31.2% by 2050. By 2050, older adults are expected to be 21.5% of the global population and 24% of Asia’s population; thus Iran aging rate will exceed both the global and Asian average [7].
Population aging imposes considerable consequences for older adults, families and healthcare systems. Without appropriate planning and infrastructure, this trend may lead to inadequate care provision, financial and social burdens on families and society [8].Although residence in elderly care centers may be beneficial due to the availability of specialized services, separation from the family can reduce their quality of life [9]. Nevertheless, information technologies can create infrastructure that enhance their satisfaction while addressing the concerns of the families and care center managers [10].
Older adults generally have lower levels of technologies-related skills compared with younger people. As a result, they may avoid using technology due to unfamiliarity [11]. Although information technology applications for older adults have improved significantly in recent years, there is little evidence regarding actual usage among this group [12]. The rapid development of emerging technologies continues [13], and evidence highlights their benefits for older adults. These benefits include improved functioning, enhanced social participation, strengthened family communication, and reduced depression and loneliness [14]. However, several barriers contribute to the low adoption by older adults, such as cognitive limitations, trust and privacy concerns, limited computer skills, and socio-demographic factors [15].
Understanding usage patterns and preferences for information technology among older adults is essential. Evaluating their acceptance and utilization of technology can help improve living conditions in elderly care centers, overcome limitations, enhance well-being and facilitate communication with families and elderly care center managers. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate information technologies needed by older adults, families, and managers of elderly care centers.
Methods
This descriptive study was conducted in 2023 in Kermanshah, Iran. The study population included 234 older adults, one family representative for each participants (n = 234 family members), and 21 managers from four governmental elderly care centers in Kermanshah. Older adults and their family members were recruited through a census method, whereas managers were selected through purposive sampling. Finally, 121 older adults, 121 family members and 21 managers participated.
Data were collected using four questionnaires. The first questionnaire gathered information on characteristics of the older adults and the elderly care centers (including sources of financial support, and the family status). The second, third, and fourth questionnaires were designed for the older adults, their family members, and the managers, respectively. Each questionnaire contained five items regarding the information technologies needed from the perspectives of the older adults, their families, and the managers, respectively. Content validity was determined based on the opinion of ten experts (three in health information management, four geriatric nurses and three geriatrics specialists). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha with a coefficient of 0.87%. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, applying frequency, percentage and correlation coefficient tests.
Results
The mean age of the older adults was 68.8 years (±7.53) and 55.4% were women. Overall, 48.8% lived alone, while 44.6% lived with their spouses in the centers. In 45.5% of cases, family members were the source of financial supports. As shown in Table 1, 75.2% of the facility members were native to the city in which the center was located and 10.7% were from another province or city.
Table 2 indicates that 47.1% of the older adults needed a smartphone for communication, and the same proportion preferred video communication. Additionally, 48.8% considered television programs more practical, and 46.3% preferred television for entertainment. Table 3 shows that 89.3% of family members considered the use of a smartphone necessary for communication and 45.5% emphasized the importance of video communication. According to Table 4, 42.9% of managers identified computers and 38.1% smartphone as necessary tools for communication, while 85.7% considered video communication necessary.
Table 5 illustrates the relationship between the characteristics of the older adults and their required information technologies. A significant relationship was observed between the tools required for entertainment and leisure activities with education (P=0.038), occupation (P=0.001), gender (P=0.04), and source of financial support (P=0.05). The need for information technology to perform activities was associated with living arrangements (P=0.001). Education was significantly associated with scientific activities (P=0.02); gender was associated with seeking health information (P=0.016); and living arrangements in centers was associated with communication with family members (P=0.007).
Table 6 shows the relationship between information technology applications for the family-elderly communication and the characteristics of the older adults. The hardware required for communication with the older adults associated with family residence (P=0.03).
Increased life expectancy and demographic transition toward an aging population are the result of improved health conditions, advances in health technologies and reduced mortality [1]. Population aging has affected most countries, including Iran, and has drawn considerable attention to aging-related issues [2]. In recent years, socio-economic development, decreased fertility rate and increased life expectancy have significantly altered the global population structure toward aging [3]. This trend has prompted the United Nations and many countries to implement policies addressing aging related challenges [2]. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines healthy aging as the process of maintaining functional ability that enables well-being in older age [4].
Statistics indicate that in 1950, no country had more than 11% of its population aged 65 and older. By 2000, the highest proportion had reached 18%. However, this proportion is projected to increase dramatically by 2050, potentially reaching 38% [5]. Projections suggest that in 2050, the number of individuals aged 60 years or older will exceed the number of adolescents aged 10 to 24 years. Currently, Japan, Finland and Italy have the oldest populations. Greece, Korea, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain are classified as the fastest-aging countries within the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries. Among the non-OECD countries, Brazil, China and Saudi Arabia are the fastest-aging countries [3,6]. According to the 2011 census, Iran’s population was 75 million, of which 2.8% were older adults; by 2016, the population had reached 80 million, with 9.3% aged 60 years and older. The number of older adults is projected to reach 14.4% by 2030 and 31.2% by 2050. By 2050, older adults are expected to be 21.5% of the global population and 24% of Asia’s population; thus Iran aging rate will exceed both the global and Asian average [7].
Population aging imposes considerable consequences for older adults, families and healthcare systems. Without appropriate planning and infrastructure, this trend may lead to inadequate care provision, financial and social burdens on families and society [8].Although residence in elderly care centers may be beneficial due to the availability of specialized services, separation from the family can reduce their quality of life [9]. Nevertheless, information technologies can create infrastructure that enhance their satisfaction while addressing the concerns of the families and care center managers [10].
Older adults generally have lower levels of technologies-related skills compared with younger people. As a result, they may avoid using technology due to unfamiliarity [11]. Although information technology applications for older adults have improved significantly in recent years, there is little evidence regarding actual usage among this group [12]. The rapid development of emerging technologies continues [13], and evidence highlights their benefits for older adults. These benefits include improved functioning, enhanced social participation, strengthened family communication, and reduced depression and loneliness [14]. However, several barriers contribute to the low adoption by older adults, such as cognitive limitations, trust and privacy concerns, limited computer skills, and socio-demographic factors [15].
Understanding usage patterns and preferences for information technology among older adults is essential. Evaluating their acceptance and utilization of technology can help improve living conditions in elderly care centers, overcome limitations, enhance well-being and facilitate communication with families and elderly care center managers. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate information technologies needed by older adults, families, and managers of elderly care centers.
Methods
This descriptive study was conducted in 2023 in Kermanshah, Iran. The study population included 234 older adults, one family representative for each participants (n = 234 family members), and 21 managers from four governmental elderly care centers in Kermanshah. Older adults and their family members were recruited through a census method, whereas managers were selected through purposive sampling. Finally, 121 older adults, 121 family members and 21 managers participated.
Data were collected using four questionnaires. The first questionnaire gathered information on characteristics of the older adults and the elderly care centers (including sources of financial support, and the family status). The second, third, and fourth questionnaires were designed for the older adults, their family members, and the managers, respectively. Each questionnaire contained five items regarding the information technologies needed from the perspectives of the older adults, their families, and the managers, respectively. Content validity was determined based on the opinion of ten experts (three in health information management, four geriatric nurses and three geriatrics specialists). Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha with a coefficient of 0.87%. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, applying frequency, percentage and correlation coefficient tests.
Results
The mean age of the older adults was 68.8 years (±7.53) and 55.4% were women. Overall, 48.8% lived alone, while 44.6% lived with their spouses in the centers. In 45.5% of cases, family members were the source of financial supports. As shown in Table 1, 75.2% of the facility members were native to the city in which the center was located and 10.7% were from another province or city.
Table 2 indicates that 47.1% of the older adults needed a smartphone for communication, and the same proportion preferred video communication. Additionally, 48.8% considered television programs more practical, and 46.3% preferred television for entertainment. Table 3 shows that 89.3% of family members considered the use of a smartphone necessary for communication and 45.5% emphasized the importance of video communication. According to Table 4, 42.9% of managers identified computers and 38.1% smartphone as necessary tools for communication, while 85.7% considered video communication necessary.
Table 5 illustrates the relationship between the characteristics of the older adults and their required information technologies. A significant relationship was observed between the tools required for entertainment and leisure activities with education (P=0.038), occupation (P=0.001), gender (P=0.04), and source of financial support (P=0.05). The need for information technology to perform activities was associated with living arrangements (P=0.001). Education was significantly associated with scientific activities (P=0.02); gender was associated with seeking health information (P=0.016); and living arrangements in centers was associated with communication with family members (P=0.007).
Table 6 shows the relationship between information technology applications for the family-elderly communication and the characteristics of the older adults. The hardware required for communication with the older adults associated with family residence (P=0.03).
Table 1. Characteristics of the older adults
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Table 2. Information and information technologies needed by the elderly
Table 2. Information and information technologies needed by the elderly
Table 3. Information and information technologies needed by family members
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Table 4. Information technologies needed by managers
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Table 5. The relationship between the characteristics of the older adults and the needed technologies
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Table 6. The relationship between the characteristics of the older adults and the technologies needed by the family
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Table 4. Information technologies needed by managers
Table 5. The relationship between the characteristics of the older adults and the needed technologies
Table 6. The relationship between the characteristics of the older adults and the technologies needed by the family
Discussion
According to our findings, 47.1% of the older adults considered smartphones and video communication necessary. Tablet use and email communicating were the least preferred technologies. Low literacy level may make the use of tablets and e-mail difficult, and physical limitations may further restrict tablet use. Moreover, 48.8% considered TV programs more practical, and 46.3% preferred TV for entertainment. Additionally, 37.2% used information technology to stay informed about the state of society, 27.3% to communicate with family members, and only 3.3% used for administrative tasks. In Rahmanzadeh et al.'s study [16], television was the most preferred medium (65.3%); however, radio had the lowest preference (13%). They also reported that 86.7% of the older adults with low education preferred television, while 57.1% of those with higher education preferred satellite channels. In addition, 51.5% needed information technology and media for entertainment, 42.6% for information and news, and 2.4% for educational purposes. These findings suggest that older adults with lower literacy have reduced ability to use information technology and rely more on television. In previous decades, when this generation was younger, information technology was not integral to daily life, limiting their exposure and motivation to learn such tools. Additionally, limited literacy and physical problems may reduce interest in adopting information technology.
The portability and multifunctionality of mobile phones make them particularly useful for both older adults and their families.. Because real-time visual interaction enhances emotional connection, families showed a preference for video communication, particularly through applications such as WhatsApp. Mohammadi [17] reported that media has a significant role in shaping the social and interpersonal relationships of older adults, who experience changes in their relationships, thus video communication with family and acquaintances becomes their priority. Family financial support was associated with smartphone ownership and this technology was the most common tool among older adults and their families. Onyeaka [15] reported that 47.9% of older adults used smartphones, 42% used tablets, and 61% accessed the Internet. Socio-economic factors such as education, income, and health status were barriers to adoption among older adults.
Although television was the most common medium among older adults, participants with higher education preferred satellite channels and books. Using Internet and advanced technologies were very low. According to studies, Internet use among older adults may strengthen their cognitive abilities, and expand opportunities for communication, entertainment, meeting individual needs, being aware of current news, etc. Such engagement can contribute improved mental, physical and social well-beings [18].
Many older adults, their families and center managers considered information technologies and social media necessary for communication and leisure activities. These technologies were used to communicate with geographically dispersed family and friends. This finding emphasizes on the importance of "meaningful" online relationships [19].
Low literacy levels, insufficient knowledge and training in the use of information technology, the high cost of information technology tools, and limited income were among the main barriers for using information technology. In addition, age-related physical conditions, such as diseases, visual impairment, hearing loss, and mobility limitations, and complicated technologies, might restrict the use of technologies among older adults. As stated in other studies [20], paying attention to technology priorities in aging populations, based on the social, cultural and economic needs of families, is essential for societies transitioning toward older demographic structures.
Limitations
This study was conducted in public elderly care centers, therefore, participants were from the middle and lower income groups. Older adults residing in private centers may have higher education and income and different expectations, which could lead to different findings.
Conclusion
Today's older adults have lived most of their lives in periods when information technology had limited influence. Therefore, their technological preferences and needs are limited. The rapid expansion of information technology and its impact in daily life necessitate training of this group of population. It is necessary to provide digital literacy education and the appropriate technological infrastructure for older adults.
Online supplement
According to our findings, 47.1% of the older adults considered smartphones and video communication necessary. Tablet use and email communicating were the least preferred technologies. Low literacy level may make the use of tablets and e-mail difficult, and physical limitations may further restrict tablet use. Moreover, 48.8% considered TV programs more practical, and 46.3% preferred TV for entertainment. Additionally, 37.2% used information technology to stay informed about the state of society, 27.3% to communicate with family members, and only 3.3% used for administrative tasks. In Rahmanzadeh et al.'s study [16], television was the most preferred medium (65.3%); however, radio had the lowest preference (13%). They also reported that 86.7% of the older adults with low education preferred television, while 57.1% of those with higher education preferred satellite channels. In addition, 51.5% needed information technology and media for entertainment, 42.6% for information and news, and 2.4% for educational purposes. These findings suggest that older adults with lower literacy have reduced ability to use information technology and rely more on television. In previous decades, when this generation was younger, information technology was not integral to daily life, limiting their exposure and motivation to learn such tools. Additionally, limited literacy and physical problems may reduce interest in adopting information technology.
The portability and multifunctionality of mobile phones make them particularly useful for both older adults and their families.. Because real-time visual interaction enhances emotional connection, families showed a preference for video communication, particularly through applications such as WhatsApp. Mohammadi [17] reported that media has a significant role in shaping the social and interpersonal relationships of older adults, who experience changes in their relationships, thus video communication with family and acquaintances becomes their priority. Family financial support was associated with smartphone ownership and this technology was the most common tool among older adults and their families. Onyeaka [15] reported that 47.9% of older adults used smartphones, 42% used tablets, and 61% accessed the Internet. Socio-economic factors such as education, income, and health status were barriers to adoption among older adults.
Although television was the most common medium among older adults, participants with higher education preferred satellite channels and books. Using Internet and advanced technologies were very low. According to studies, Internet use among older adults may strengthen their cognitive abilities, and expand opportunities for communication, entertainment, meeting individual needs, being aware of current news, etc. Such engagement can contribute improved mental, physical and social well-beings [18].
Many older adults, their families and center managers considered information technologies and social media necessary for communication and leisure activities. These technologies were used to communicate with geographically dispersed family and friends. This finding emphasizes on the importance of "meaningful" online relationships [19].
Low literacy levels, insufficient knowledge and training in the use of information technology, the high cost of information technology tools, and limited income were among the main barriers for using information technology. In addition, age-related physical conditions, such as diseases, visual impairment, hearing loss, and mobility limitations, and complicated technologies, might restrict the use of technologies among older adults. As stated in other studies [20], paying attention to technology priorities in aging populations, based on the social, cultural and economic needs of families, is essential for societies transitioning toward older demographic structures.
Limitations
This study was conducted in public elderly care centers, therefore, participants were from the middle and lower income groups. Older adults residing in private centers may have higher education and income and different expectations, which could lead to different findings.
Conclusion
Today's older adults have lived most of their lives in periods when information technology had limited influence. Therefore, their technological preferences and needs are limited. The rapid expansion of information technology and its impact in daily life necessitate training of this group of population. It is necessary to provide digital literacy education and the appropriate technological infrastructure for older adults.
Online supplement
- Questionnaires
Declarations
Ethical considerations: This project was approved by the Ethics Committee of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences with the ethics code IR.KUMS.REC.1398.725.
Funding: This study was supported by Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences with grant number 980740. Funder had no roles in data collection, data analysis and preparation of the manuscript.
Conflicts of interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Authors’ contribution: Ali Mohammadi: Conceptualization, study design, data curation, methodology, validation, data analysis, resources, data management, writing– original draft, writing– review & editing, project administration, fund acquisition, final approval. Rojia Nikbazm: Methodology, validation, data analysis, data management, writing– original draft, writing– review & editing, supervision, project administration, fund acquisition, final approval.
Consent for publication: None
Data availability: The data supporting this study's findings are available from the corresponding author upon request.
AI deceleration: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools were not used to write the article
Acknowledgements: This study was conducted with financial support from Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences under number 980740. In addition, the project implementers would like to sincerely thank the officials of Elderly Centers, Aram, Saray Omid, Mehrnikan, and Kermanshah City Center.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Health Information Technology
Received: 2025/11/1 | Accepted: 2026/04/21 | Published: 2026/05/5
Received: 2025/11/1 | Accepted: 2026/04/21 | Published: 2026/05/5
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