Ensembles of Practice: Older Adults, Technology, and Loneliness & Social Isolation in Rural Settings

Abstract

This paper considers whether, and if so how, ICT might play a role in addressing loneliness and social isolation for older adults in rural areas. We base our paper on a longitudinal co-creation study that has been undertaken in a rural location in the North of England. We adopt a practice perspective to examine the everyday practices of older adults as they sought out opportunities to address their desire for social connectedness and explore how technology might support them in those practices. Specifically, we argue that we need to identify the linking practices that enable participation in social connectedness through ICT. Based on this, we develop a model to guide future practice based studies and interventions.