Older Adults Knowledge about using smart technology during the Covid-19 crisis-a qualitative pilot study

Introduction: The exponential increase of the older population is coinciding with the growing challenges of digital technology in the different socio-cultural environments. This pilot study aimed to examine the knowledge of institutionalized elderly people about the use of technology and digital literacy and to analyze the perspectives of older users on the impact of smart technology on their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: 10 users of the Home for the Elderly and Infirm "Jordanovac", Zagreb participated in a semi-structured 1:1 interview conducted in January 2021 after the approval of the Ethics Committee, respecting all epidemiologically prescribed measures. All narratives were recorded, then transcribed into tables, and went through a content analysis process. Results: All 10 participants (average age: 83.4) use and own a mobile device, but only 4 of them use smart devices. They mostly use ordinary calls for communication, and of the applications, with only 3 users, Viber, WhatsApp, and video calling are equally represented. Only one user uses Skype to communicate with their family. Discussion: Despite long-term isolation, respondents do not see technology as an opportunity to establish and maintain social contacts and do not have enough knowledge about using it. Most were educated on their own or by their families, which can be a good starting point for developing strategies in the form of activating volunteers who would teach the elderly about the possibilities of using digital content after the Covid crisis.