Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in intergenerational exchange and social interaction in the community. We facilitated online meetings between community-dwelling older adults and nursing students. A semi-structured interview was conducted with five older residents and eight nursing students after the meetings. The interview narratives were analyzed using qualitative descriptive research methods to extract perception and opinions about the use of ICT in intergenerational exchange and social interaction in the community. Older people perceived difficult ICT use among community-dwelling older people, while acknowledging the enjoyment of online interaction experienced. The students also experienced the joy and expectation of connecting within and between generations online. However, they reaffirmed challenges of ICT use by older adults with many difficulties and thought about the necessary support for online exchange among community-dwelling older people. Both generations considered the benefits of face-to-face interactions reconfirmed and felt face-to-face interactions were to be cherished. While providing maximum face-to-face interaction, it is also necessary to consider opportunities for online interactions as a way to supplement, as well as to build support for the use of ICT in local exchange.
