Abstract
When we think about activity in later life, our first thoughts often take us towards the idea of physical activity and the person’s ability to remain fit, physically robust, and mobile. The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken a broader view and defined active aging as a state which “allows people to realize their potential for physical, social, and mental well-being throughout the life course and to participate in society” (WHO, 2012, p. 1). In this chapter our focus will be on the social dimension of this construct and specifically the potential role that videoconferencing may have in assisting older adults to remain socially active and engaged. We begin by reviewing literature that highlights the positive health and benefits that accrue to older adults who remain socially active. This is followed by the results of qualitative research that illustrates the potential value of videoconferencing technology in remaining socially connected.
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Beringer, R., Sixsmith, A. (2013). Videoconferencing and Social Engagement for Older Adults. In: Sixsmith, A., Gutman, G. (eds) Technologies for Active Aging. International Perspectives on Aging, vol 9. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8348-0_11
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