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Enhancing Civic Engagement Among Older Chinese Internet Users

This study explores the impact of social and civic engagement on older Chinese internet users, focusing on the benefits such as better health, increased sense of worth, and decreased loneliness. It highlights the importance of social networks, structured activities, and the impact of technology on the elderly. The research conducted in Shanghai showcases how clubs and internet adoption have facilitated community involvement and political participation. Suggestions for future research include expanding the study to less urbanized areas and exploring civic engagement beyond internet-related activities. Recommendations for future social engagement involve providing opportunities for seniors to broaden their horizons and catering to lower-income demographics.

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Enhancing Civic Engagement Among Older Chinese Internet Users

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  1. Civic Engagement Among Older Chinese Internet Users Kimberly Sazakimichael NguyenGail FrancisCarmen Harrison

  2. Definition: Connection and participation Social and Civic Engagement

  3. Better health • Increased sense of worth • Generativity through engagement • Decreased Loneliness /Isolation Social/Civic engagement promotes:

  4. Social networks, support • Physical and Cognitive Activity • Regular structured activities Social/Civic engagement promotes:

  5. Impact of technology on elderly understudied Civic engagement and Older chinese

  6. Civic engagement and the internet

  7. methods

  8. The OldKids of Shanghai, China Learned and taught by older adults. Classes usually lead to social clubs Shanghai statistics Research site

  9. 33 members of one OldKids class All 33 members were retired Not random, but voluntary self-selection Participants

  10. 2 Separate Interviews Conducted. Topics were varied. Questions were altered as a result. Data analysis based on grounded theory. Procedure and Analysis

  11. Results

  12. Feeding the “Volunteer Machine” Strong need to help others. Active participation with others. Results

  13. Initially, clubs were extensions of classroom. Became extensions of the neighborhood Organization increased participation. Interaction with government officials Social clubs formed

  14. Discussion

  15. Starting & managing computer salons • Lobbying for resources to establish salons • Dramatic growth of Internet adoption in China • Led to better online information sharing & interaction Effects of Older Chinese’s Civic Engagement

  16. Previous research studies of the internet • Internet facilitates community involvement Internet effects on an Offline Community

  17. Internet & The Government Political Participation Civic Engagement

  18. Historical & Political Context • Inclusion of “computer clubs” as a form of civil engagement Significance of the Study

  19. Older Chinese are overcoming fears Conclusion

  20. Suggestions for the futureAndimplications

  21. Limited to internet users in Shanghai • Future studies should include: • Less urbanized areas • Civic engagement not related to the internet This Study

  22. Include other nations • Focus on the type of civic engagement • How to market this type of activity • How to get seniors involved Our suggestions for future research:

  23. Future social engagement of seniors • Give seniors a chance to expand their horizons • Facilitating to lower income bracket Implications for the future:

  24. Bo, X. (2008). Civic Engagement Among Older Chinese Internet Users. Journal of Applied Gerontology. Retrieved May 2, 2010 from http://jag.sagepub.com.mcc1.library.csulb.edu/cgi/reprint/27/4/424ntology, 27(4), 424-445. References:

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