JoWUA

Abstract

The number and variety of smart devices aiming to assist older adults with personal and social life is increasing. However, the broader use of technology by older adults inevitably raises concerns regarding their vulnerability to cyberthreats. This study has three key objectives: (1) to identify which smart devices are available to older adults, (2) to determine which devices are used by older adults in nursing homes and (3) to conduct a preliminary analysis of exposure of older adults in nursing homes to cyberthreats due to their use of smart devices. To achieve these objectives, a systematic literature review was first conducted to identify available smart devices. Next, focus groups among caregivers in 23 nursing homes in Slovenia and interviews with nine older adults residing in two different nursing homes in Slovenia were conducted to determine which smart devices are used by older adults in nursing homes, and to preliminary analyze the exposure of older adults in nursing homes to cyberthreats. Results indicate that older adults in nursing homes mostly use only mobile and entertainment devices. The frequency of using smart devices for health and wellness is relatively low. Older adults in nursing homes are currently at particular risk during mobile device use due to human factors. Nevertheless, this may change in the near- to mid-term future as smart devices get more widely used.