Valerie Woods

Psychological barriers to Internet usage among older adults in the UK

The Internet is an important tool in assisting the older population to lead independent and social lives. However, the majority of Internet users are under 55. This study investigated the following psychological barriers to Internet use by older adults: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, Internet efficacy, perceived complexity of navigation and perceived complexity of terminology. Twenty-three subjects (aged 55 – 75 years) were interviewed in the UK. The influences of age, computer and Internet experience, and training on these psychological barriers were explored. The results showed that the majority of the older adults who had a positive perception of usefulness, ease of use, and efficacy of the Internet or e-mail, used the Internet or e-mail more often. In addition, it was found that computer or Internet experience increased perceptions of ease of use and efficacy of the Internet and reduced perceived complexity of navigation. There was no difference between the two age groups (55 – 65 and 66 – 75 years) in these psychological barriers. It was concluded that increased marketing of the Internet (aimed at the older user), more simple and uniformly designed Internet pages, more user-friendly online help and error message terminology, and increased provision of training for the older user would assist uptake of the World Wide Web.

Interviews and Observation to Investigate Health Effects from Using Non-Keyboard Input Devices (NKID)

In-depth interviews and observations have been undertaken with intensive and non-intensive non-keyboard input device (NKID) users. Fifty individuals at ten organisations were interviewed to gain insight into how users arrange their workstations and use NKID in connection with different tasks. Observational data have also been collected on posture and workstation set-up, with video recordings at all sites. Initial results are presented here based on the first twenty-five interviews. A wide range of NKID was seen at the organisations visited including the mouse, touchscreen, joystick, trackball, and tablet and pen. Users reported a range of problems associated with the use of some devices: maintenance issues, device responsiveness and size of devices were some of those mentioned. Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort was also reported, particularly in mouse users n=9 (36%) with reports of weakness, stiffness and discomfort in the hands and wrist. An important observation was the variety of configurations of workstation furniture and equipment, which in some cases, constrained the position of the input device in relation to the user. This may result in the users having to work with the input device at some distance away from their body.

Musculoskeletal Ill Health among UK Cleaners

This two year study of musculoskeletal health problems among UK cleaners incorporated the findings from questionnaire surveys, workplace assessments, laboratory trials and focus groups. Higher than expected prevalence rates of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort were identified among cleaners. The main areas affected were: elbows, knees, right wrist and hand, lower back, neck, and right shoulder. The proportion of cleaners seeking medical advice was high (52%). 23% reported taking time off work in the year prior to the study because of these problems, providing some measure of the probable cost of these disorders to employers, society and individuals. Work factors were found to be associated with an increase in risk for musculoskeletal problems among the study group. These included the unsuitable design of equipment, specific work tasks and postures and poor work organisation.