An Evaluation of Older Adults Use of iPads in Eleven UK Care-Homes

The introduction of the iPad and similar form-factor devices (e.g. Samsung Galaxy Tab, Asus Eee Pad and Motorola Xoom) has provided a unique opportunity for older adults to engage with mobile computing devices and platforms. Engagement with ‘traditional’ computing devices amongst older adults, including arguably mobile devices, such as laptop computers is low due to dexterity issues amongst this population (Hertzum & Hornbaek, 2010). Whilst the iPad removes some of the traditional barriers to computer engagement, new barriers including weight and screen reflection are evident to an older user group. This paper provides an exploratory evaluation of how older adults in 11 UK care-home settings and the staff engaged in their care are using iPads to help improve communication, build physical social networks amongst residents, staff and family members, and map the most frequently used applications by an older population during a six-month pilot period. Results suggest that applications involving information searching for personally related and historical information were most valued by older adults. Further, older adults and care staff alike report mainly positive experiences of iPad use in care settings including the increased opportunities for social interaction and the enhancement of intergenerational communication. Additionally, the barriers to use (e.g. device weight) are often overcome by low-tech adaptations and adjustment when using the device. This paper argues that the portability and adaptive nature of the iPad combined with the increased social interaction afforded by device could increase quality of life in care settings

Inside the Small Island Economies

The extant literature presents antecedents of loyalty into four groups: characteristics of the environment, characteristics of the dyadic relationship, characteristics of the consumer, and consumer perceptions of the relationship with the marketing firm. However, it pays little to no attention to the antecedents of loyalty in small island economies. Prior research on small island economies is heavily focused on cultural, environmental, and macro-economic issues. Thus, the focus of this chapter is to capture antecedents that are cognizant of the distinct market conditions that potentially impact customer loyalty within the telecommunications sector. It seeks to advance understanding of loyalty in Business-to-Business (B2B) relationships in the context of a small island economy and identify triggers and determinants to convert passively loyal customers into actively loyal customers