The Potential of Information Technology for the Elderly in the Area of Mae Hong Son

Abstract

The purpose of this research was; 1) to study the use of information technology for the elderly, 2) to analyze the use of information technology for the elderly, 3) to analyze the potential of using information technology suitable for elderly people. The sample consisted of 380 elders in Mae Hong Son Province. The checklist and rating scale questionnaire was used for data collection. The data was analyzed in terms of percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, t-test, oneway analysis of variance, and LSD. The results of the research revealed that the overall use of social media behavior for the elderly was rated at moderate level. The advantage aspect was rated at a high level, the equipment and objective aspects were rated at a moderate level, the program and the trouble aspects were rated at a low level respectively. The comparison of using the social media behavior of the elderly as classified by gender, educational level, and income had significant differences at the 0.05 level overall. All aspects, when classified by marital status, and occupation showed no significant difference overall however, there were significant differences at the .05 level in all aspects. It was concluded that the elderly in Mae Hong Son have the potential to select and learn new information technology applications. To communicate with people close. I have been using IPAD and SMART PHONES and LINE programs to keep in touch with the people closest to me. The supply of equipment depends on the individual's income. However, most of them will try to learn, so it can be said that the potential for the elderly in the use of information technology cannot depend on age. It depends on the equipment, support, size and price as well as programs that can be communicated clearly.