The document discusses the impact of digital devices, specifically laptops, on the physical development of older adults. It highlights the increase in media use among this demographic and identifies issues such as social isolation and lack of computer literacy as significant concerns. The document also explores research indicating that interventions such as training programs can improve digital literacy and engagement among older adults.

1. DPSY 5111-6111-8121 Week 6 Discussion: Physical Development
In this Discussion, you select one type of digital device and a specific age group. Select one of
the following age groups: infants, children, adolescents, adults, older adults. Search the Internet
and the Walden Library for at least two articles regarding the positive and negative impacts your
selected digital device has on physical development of your selected age group. You then
examine research related to the impact that digital devices have on the physical development of
your selected age group.
By Day 4
Post a summary of each of the articles you found. Explain the positive and negative impact your
selected digital device has on the physical development of the age group you selected.
Consider and select one of the following digital devices:
• Game consoles
• Tablets
• Smartphones
• Laptops
• Fitness bands
• Digital sports cameras (e.g., GoPro)
Impact of Laptops or Computers on the Physical Development of Older Adults
Greenwood, Perrin, and Duggan (2016) reported media use in the Unites States rose to 69% in
2016—compared to 5% in 2005. On the other hand, Eynon and Helsper (2011) theorized older
adults make-up the largest segment of non-digital users which, in most instances, leads to social
isolation. The effect of such correlates with declines in social relationships and cognitive
development (Findahl, 2017; Forsman, 2018; Friemel, 2016; Hasan, & Linger, n.d.; Helping the
elderly, 2017; Lamoth, Caljouw, & Postema, 2011; Niehaves, & Plattfaut, 2014). Friemel (2016)
highlighted related factors include a lack of computer literacy, inadequate financial resources,
and barriers to internet access.
However, a few years later, Forsman (2018) emphasized that more data about older adults’
digital obstacles would facilitate intervention measures more effectively. Because people’s
cognitive and physical development differ, especially among older adults; to that end, her
research indicated most older adults get knowledge about digital technology indirectly (for
example) through befriending social network users or from prior co-workers rather than enrolling
in formal training (e.g., computer and internet classes) or seeking self-help digital technology
resources.
To expand the literature, Hasan and Linger (n.d) created an action research project. They
installed computer kiosks in older adults’ care facilities and created weekly information

2. communication technology training classes. Consequently, research participants’ computer
literacy and self-efficacy skills greatly improved. So much that Hasan and Linger (n.d) reported
most of them used their new knowledge to engage in independent digital technology activities.
References
Eynon, R., & Helsper, E. (2011). Adults learning online: Digital choice and/or digital exclusion?
New Media Society, 13(4), pp. 534–551. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1177/
1461444810374789
Findahl, O. (2017). The Swedes and the internet. Retrieved from http://www.soi2017.se/the-
swedes-and-the-internet-2017-summary/:http://www.soi2017.se/the-swedes-and-the-internet-
2017-summary/
Forsman, R. L. (2018). Borrowed access: The struggle of older persons for digital participation.
International Journal of Lifelong Education, 37(3), pp. 333–344.
https://doiorg.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1080/02601370.2018.1473516
Friemel, T. N. (2016). The digital divide has grown old: Determinants of a digital divide among
seniors. New Media & Society, 18(2), pp. 313–331. doi:10.1177/1461444814538648.
Greenwood, S., Perrin, A., & Duggan, M. (2016). Social media update. Pew Research
Center. Retrieved from http://assets.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/
2016/11/10132827/PI_2016.11.11_Social-Media-Update_FINAL.pdf
Hasan, H., & Linger, H. (n.d.). Enhancing the wellbeing of the elderly: Social use of digital
technologies in aged care. Educational Gerontology, 42(11), pp. 749–757.
https://doiorg.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1080/03601277.2016.1205425
Helping the elderly with physical exercise: Development of persuasive mobile intervention
sensitive to elderly cognitive decline. (2017). 2017 IEEE 19th International Conference on E-
Health Networking, Applications and Services (Healthcom), e-Health Networking, Applications
and Services (Healthcom), 2017 IEEE 19th International Conference On, 1.
https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1109/HealthCom.2017.8210790
Lamoth, C. C., Caljouw, S. R., & Postema, K. (2011). Active video gaming to improve balance
in the elderly. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 167, pp. 159–164. Retrieved from
https://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=mnh&AN=21685660&site=eds-live&scope=site
Niehaves, B., & Plattfaut, R. (2014). Internet adoption by the elderly: Employing is technology
acceptance theories for understanding the age-related digital divide. European Journal of
Information Systems, 23, pp. 708–726. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/
10.1057/ejis.2013.19