Use of information and communication technologies by elderly people: analysis of social support in interpersonal relationships

The present research aimed to identify the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by elderly people, as well as analyze the level of social support for this population. Study with a quantitative-qualitative approach, cross-sectional and analytical in nature. Sociodemographic and health data collection instruments were used, Technology Use Acceptance Scale, questionnaire on the use of ICT, Lubben Brief Social Network Scale. We observed that 100% of participants have contact with some type of information and communication technology and 100% of participants also agree with the importance of technologies in interpersonal relationships. The population interviewed demonstrated a good affinity in general with technologies, where communicating via the internet, for example, with friends, family and even enabling new meetings. The study identified relevant results for the elderly's social interaction with technology and also regarding the social and support network. The importance of using communication technologies in matters of supporting personal and social life is highlighted, which has led to some elderly people frequently using social networks such as Whatsapp and Facebook.