Smartphone Technology and Social Transformation of Older Adults: From Capability Approach Theory Perspective

Older adult’s (OA) participation in the digital world is still behind other consumer segments globally. Capability of using technology is crucial for the OA so that they can be free and be self-independent. This study explores the impact of smartphone adoption on OA’s social transformation through the lens of the Capability Approach (CA) theory, which focuses on enhancing individual capabilities. In specific, it investigates OA’s personal experiences in using smartphone technology, which is assumed to socially transformed themselves. Using a qualitative method via focus group discussion (FGD) involving 20 participants, the study found five emerging themes: i) social and business connectivity, ii) independence and health management, iii) technology accessibility and affordability, iv) digital literacy – motivation and openness to learning, training, and v) supportive social networks and technology experts. Overall, findings show that OAs are capable of using smartphones, and that the smartphone technology does function in improving this group’s ability to stay connected with family, for some to manage their businesses, and their personal health and well-being. Access to technology and affordability, motivation, and openness to learning, and training play facilitating roles in OA’s use of the smartphone technology. The OA’s capability and confidence to use smartphones increased with the presence of social support from their trusted family members and/or other “technology experts”. From the perspective of CA theory, the study concludes that the OA’s problems in smartphone technology match their personal needs and problems; having social support facilitates ease of use and self-confidence in using the technology; and that smartphone technology has a positive impact on the social transformation of the OA and able to minimize social isolation problem. The findings offer several implications; one, on the importance of promoting smartphone technology to this group; two, on the importance of identifying specific and various technology applications to suit the OA’s needs; three, on the importance of not neglecting the OA as a consumer group in society. These will help the government and other stakeholders in tackling the digital divide among Malaysian consumers and contribute to building an inclusive and digitally just society.