ABSTRACT
Demographic change in the developed world is leading to a higher proportion of older adults and longer life expectancy. Measures to control the coronavirus disease have affected older adults the most. Social isolation and access to remote health services has been a problem for many people. We have used the method of scientific literature review. The selection of articles was made in accordance with the following inclusion criteria: accessibility, scientificity, content relevance and topicality. After selection, the results were analysed by qualitative content analysis. With the content analysis of twenty scientific articles, we gained an insight into digital literacy of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three content categories were identified: (1) poor digital literacy of older adults, (2) inequality in ICT access, (3) use of ICT reduces the negative impact of social isolation. We note that there is a large digital divide in digital literacy and competences among older adults which expanded during the coronavirus disease pandemic. Several factors, including socio-economic status, internet access and the poor adaptation of ICT for older adults affect digital literacy. Rapid development of remote health and social care, poor digital literacy of older adults and the poor adaptation of ICT for older adults dictate that the problem must be tackled systemically. Copyright © 2022 The Authors.
ABSTRACT
Quality of life is a multidimensional concept. The World Health Organization estimates that the quality of life is affected by physical and mental health, social relations, and the physical environment. The purpose of the study was to determine which of these factors have affected the quality of life of older adults living in an institutional environment during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the use of ICT affects the mental health of older adults. Methods: Quantitative method, description method, and comparison method were used. With the questionnaire as a measuring instrument, we collected opinions from 128 older adults living in an institutional environment. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were used. Results: The regression function was reliable only between the association with mental health and quality of life, so we confirmed one hypothesis. Mental health is the only factor that affects the quality of life. Discussion and conclusion: We find that superior mental health affects the quality of life of older adults living in institutional settings during the COVID-19 pandemic and that ICT has a significant impact on mental health, meaning that greater emphasis should be placed on strengthening the mental health of older people living in institutional environments, especially during the COVID-19 epidemic, when several measures have been taken to contain it. In the future, more attention needs to be paid to equipping homes with ICT and encouraging and helping employees so older adults can use ICT as well. Copyright (C) 2022 The Authors.