Older adults' experiences of daily life occupations as everyday technology changes

Introduction Knowledge is lacking of how technological development has affected occupational engagement and performance. Changes in the environment, for example, new technology, are likely to create changes in the dynamics of occupations and exploring this among older adults is especially important. This study aimed to explore what can drive and hinder the incorporation of everyday technology into occupations and how new technology affects occupational engagement and performance among older adults. Method A constructivist grounded theory methodology was applied. Data were collected by individual interviews with six women and five men between the ages of 67 and 92 years old. Participants also varied as regards their cognitive function and living conditions. Results The findings concerned the match between technology and the participants' perceptions of occupational purposes, needs of control and safety, and the kind of technology user they strived to be. A good match was a driving force for technology usage and satisfaction with the altered occupations and vice versa. Conclusion Occupational engagement and performance in relation to technology use can be facilitated, which is useful knowledge for stakeholders developing and implementing new technology, as well as those who encounter older adults with the needs or desire to use technology in their daily occupations.