Impacts of a computer and Internet skills training program on communication and social connectedness among low-income older adults

INTRODUCTION: There is no clear evidence showing that computer and Internet skills training programs affect low-income older adults’ communication and social connectedness. This study examines whether participation in such training influences low-income older adults’ modes of communication and social connectedness. 

METHODS: We used data collected from 79 low-income older adults (65-91 years old; mean=74) who completed surveys both before and after a 6-week training program. A Fisher’s exact test was used to investigate the pre-post difference in the primary mode of communication. We examined the 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) score (ranging 0 to 30) for pre-post and subgroup differences in social connectedness using a paired t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA), respectively.  

RESULTS: The majority of the sample was female (65%) and approximately one-quarter (24%) was African American. Those who used the Internet as the primary communication channel increased from 5% at pre-test to 41% at post-test. The percentage of people who used primarily postal mail and phone calls decreased by 5% and 7%, respectively (p<.001). Women generally had a higher LSNS-6 score than men (p<.05). On average, the LSNS-6 score increased by 4 points between the pre- and post-tests (p<.0001). The increase in the LSNS-6 score was significantly larger among African Americans than Whites (p<.05).

DISCUSSION:  The results indicate an increase in digital communication and improved social connectedness among low-income older adults upon skills training completion. Comparatively more improvement in social connectedness among African Americans suggests greater benefits of such interventions on population groups of disadvantaged background.