The use of computer tools by the elderly of a center of reference and citizenship for the elderly

The objective of this exploratory, descriptive study was to identify the use of computer tools by a group of elderly users of a Center of Reference and Citizenship for the Elderly in the city of São Paulo. Among the 55 subjects, it was found that 33 (60.0%) have a computer at home, 42 (76.4%) referred having taken a computer course; 22 (58.2%) have been using the computer for less than two years, and 40 (85.5%)use the tool for up to two hours a day. The most used communication tools were: e-mails by (41; 75.0%), instant messaging (25; 45.0%), dating websites (17; 31.0%). The reported purposes for using technology tools were: to update and obtain information, for research, for fun, and to talk to relatives and friends. In conclusion, nurses should be aware of this technological profile that is being outlined among the elderly population and search for ways to include computer tools in the care provided to this group.