Home Tech Care: Intergenerational Tech Support

Abstract

As the global population of older adults continues to expand at an unprecedented rate, the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) must continue to evolve to address the increasingly complex and diverse needs of this demographic. Specifically, the older adult demographic is confronted with age-related bias in their relationship with technology. This paper introduces Home Tech Care, a novel intergenerational tech support program designed to increase allophilia, i.e., positive views of members of a group. At its core, Home Tech Care is an educational program that incorporates younger adults in the technological education of older adults. This is accomplished in two ways: 1) a formalized educational card game and 2) older adult-led daily use tech support. With this infrastructure in place, this thesis seeks to answer three RQs: 1) How can Home Tech Care practices foster intergenerational allophilia as measured by the Wagner et al. model?; 2) How does Home Tech Care's educational card game, Icon Recognition Go Fish, influence intergenerational icebreaking and social dynamics; 3) How do qualitative feedback themes (e.g. appreciation, frustration, confidence) map across the four tiers of the Kirkpatrick model. Each of these questions aligns with Home Tech Care's ultimate goal of exploring how intergenerational tech support can address age-related biases. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through pre- and post-program surveys, volunteers' field notes, and older adult feedback. The results of this thesis showed a positive increase in intergenerational allophilia, specifically in the areas of affection and engagement. There were also positive responses to Icon Recognition Go Fish, with both older and younger adults seeing social benefits in gameplay. The Kirkpatrick model highlighted how Home Tech Care achieved these positive reactions while also identifying areas where the program could be improved. With the largest older adult demographic on the horizon, intergenerational tools will be essential. The results of this thesis support the idea that intergenerational programs, such as Home Tech Care, could be instrumental in creating an age-inclusive future.