Using the Internet to Build Bridges to Isolated Older People

Objective: To evaluate isolated older persons' perceptions of cognitively challenging courses delivered through the Internet. Method: Characteristics, aspirations and perceptions of the impact of the courses were obtained from 29 of 34 participants who completed pre‐and post‐course written surveys and telephone interviews. Results: Nearly three‐quarters of the participants were women and most of these were aged over 65. Few were experienced Internet users. More than half lived in large cities but regarded themselves as isolated by circumstances such as poor health or care‐giving. Most wanted to continue using the Internet for personal development and to communicate with others. Conclusions: The Internet may be able to enrich the lives of isolated older adults.