2025, Article
Towards a Strengths-based PEER Framework: How peer learning behaviours help develop ICT competencies in older adults ︎

Figueiredo, B., Luu, N., Buschgens, M., Aleti, T., Sheahan, J., Martin, D.M., Hjorth, L., Reid, M.

Behaviour & Information Technology

This study takes a strengths-based approach, focusing on older adults’ capabilities and agency in peer-led ICT learning environments. Drawing on qualitative data from observations and interviews with learners and peer tutors at an older adult learning organisation, we identify four key strengths-based behaviours, forming the PEER framework. Our findings demonstrate how peer learning can empower older adults and offer theoretical and practical contributions to the design of ICT programmes that build on older adults’ strengths.

2025, Article
Older Adults’ Digital Competency, Digital Risk Perceptions & Frequency of Everyday Digital Engagement ︎

Aleti, T., Figueiredo, B., Reid., M., Martin, D., Sheahan, J., Hjorth, L.

Information Technology & People

This study explores digital risk perceptions – the perception of risk related to digital environments – among older adults. Specifically, it investigates how these risk perceptions influence older adults' frequency of digital engagement in everyday activities. The study identified six distinct categories of digital risk perceptions among older adults. Furthermore, it found that older adults' digital competencies significantly impacted the frequency of everyday digital engagement.

2025, Article
Playing with persona: Highlighting older adults’ lived experience with digital media ︎

Hjorth, L.,  Sheahan, J.,  Figueiredo, B., Martin, D., Reid, M., Aleti, T., Buschgens, M.

Information Technology & People

In this paper, we focus on the six co-design workshops in which we deployed personas as representations of digital experience to challenge, explore, provoke and help build nuanced tools for implementation. Through personas, speculative fiction and lived experience collide, offering some fascinating ways to rethink the digital-social dimension for older adults now and into the future.

2024, Special Issue
Connecting Older Adults to the Digital World ︎

Figueiredo, B., Sheahan, J.

Social Sciences

︎ Factors Influencing Seniors’ Anxiety in Using ICT ︎ 

︎ Scoping Review of Digitally Delivered Physical Activity and Exercise Programs for Older Adults ︎

︎ Experiences of Digital Transitions in Health and Social Care Services in Later Life ︎

2024, Report
Creating an Alternative Support Pathway for Older Informal Carers ︎

Sheahan, J. & Arakelyan, S.

Advanced Care Research Centre

This report explores the co-design of an alternative support pathway for older informal carers in the UK, focusing on the role of 3rd sector organisations such as older adult daycare centres. Through a series of workshops, we highlight unmet needs, the emotional toll of caregiving, and the importance of culturally relevant resources. We present the informational resources and services co-designed with participants, which integrate into a support pathway based on a six-phase caregiving journey.