The Role of Information and Communication Technology in End-of-Life Planning Among a Sample of Canadian LGBT Older Adults.
To better understand the role of technology in later-life planning among older lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT) adults, we conducted focus groups to explore factors linked to diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Twenty focus groups were facilitated across Canada with 93 participants aged 55 to 89. Constant comparative analysis yielded four categories: (a) fear, (b) individual benefits, (d) social elements, and (d) contextual elements. Fear related to technology and fear of end-of-life planning. Individual benefits referred to technology as a platform for developing LGBT identities and as a source of information for later-life planning. Social elements were establishment and maintenance of personal relationships and social support networks. Contextual elements referred to physical and situational barriers to technology use that limited access and usability. These findings can inform technological practice and services to enhance later-life planning.
['Mock|Steven E|SE|0000-0002-3370-9919', 'Walker|Earl P|EP|', 'Humble|Áine M|ÁM|0000-0003-1429-5869', 'de Vries|Brian|B|', 'Gutman|Gloria|G|', 'Gahagan|Jacqueline|J|', 'Chamberland|Line|L|', 'Aubert|Patrick|P|', 'Fast|Janet|J|']
D016223:Advance Directives D000368:Aged D002170:Canada D003142:Communication D003643:Death D005260:Female D017144:Focus Groups D006801:Humans D000073256:Information Technology D008297:Male D036301:Qualitative Research D000072339:Sexual and Gender Minorities D012944:Social Support
later-life planning lesbian gay bisexual Internet and communication technology transgender