Project

The importance of studying the use of traditional and digital media by people over 65 in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland.

The project:
Use of media and intergenerational communication network of people over 65 in the Italian-speaking part Switzerland.

From the analysis of the Swiss research landscape on people over 65, a lack of targeted studies on the concrete daily use of both digital and traditional media emerges. There is a lack of in-depth research exploring which media are used, how, and for what purposes in everyday life. This information is crucial to understanding the so-called media diet of this age group.

In particular, our research aims to understand:

• Which traditional and digital media and devices are used daily to create and maintain social networks.
• The dynamics of the intergenerational communication network created through media.

Our research aims to shed light on these aspects and provide new research perspectives through the following 2 main phases: 

First quantitative phase: 

Survey

The first phase of the research consists of a survey aimed at understanding and mapping the daily use of digital and traditional media (e.g., phone, radio, social networks) alone and with others (e.g., friends, children, spouse). Demographic questions will also be asked at the beginning of the survey.

The survey can be filled out online or in paper form. The collected data will be treated confidentially, and the duration of the survey is approximately 15-20 minutes.

All information about the survey can be found on the "Survey" page.

Second qualitative phase:

Interviews 

Short interviews to explore specific aspects that emerged from the survey.

Media Diaries 

Completion of a media diary, either in paper format or through a dedicated app, to monitor which media are used for communication and with whom.

Intergenerational Network 

Direct involvement of individuals from the daily intergenerational network of those over 65 in the research.

Results

Analysis, triangulation, and synthesis of data aimed at producing scientific articles, research reports, outreach materials for specific audiences, and educational content.