Aging in Online Communities: A Systematic Literature Review of Design Recommendations Cover Image

Aging in Online Communities: A Systematic Literature Review of Design Recommendations
Aging in Online Communities: A Systematic Literature Review of Design Recommendations

Author(s): Ana Isabel Veloso, Sónia Ferreira, Liliana Vale Costa, Óscar Mealha, Carlos Santos
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Economy, Media studies, Political Sciences, Civil Society, Governance, Communication studies, Sociology, Political behavior, Politics and communication, Politics and society, Comparative politics, Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology, Culture and social structure , Theory of Communication, School education, Adult Education, Higher Education , State/Government and Education, Individual Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Comparative Psychology, Experimental Pschology, Behaviorism, Social development, Social differentiation, Social Theory, Family and social welfare, Demography and human biology, Gerontology, Sociobiology, Political Ecology, Sociology of Culture, Welfare services, Social Norms / Social Control, ICT Information and Communications Technologies, Sociology of Politics, Inclusive Education / Inclusion, Sociology of Education
Published by: ESSACHESS
Keywords: senior online communities; design recommendations; aging; systematic literature review;computer-mediated communication;

Summary/Abstract: The increase of computer-mediated communication use and the aging population has led to a renewed interest in online communities and social networks for active aging and social support in daily living. However, a systematic understanding of the design recommendations in Senior Online Communities is still lacking in scientific documentation. The aim of this paper is to identify the design recommendations used in online communities that support active aging. In addition, this paper highlights some of the benefits of using online communities by older adults. Twenty-three papers published between January 2015 and May 2020 in English-language, peer-reviewed publications, met inclusion criteria. The review presents a set of recommendations for designing online communities to enhance older adults’ social interactions. A process that aims for “engagement” is suggested to strategically guide the design of Senior Online Communities: Interacting – Sense of Belonging (Role-playing, Storytelling, and Legacy) – Engaging.

  • Issue Year: 13/2020
  • Issue No: 26 (2)
  • Language: English