Objectives 1(b): acceptability of technology
qualified-MBSR

Field notes by qualified-MBSR teachers noted that in terms of participation with technology, it was necessary to familiarize participants with the tablets and/or provide any technical support. Technical support was provided before or after the first few sessions. Two participants telephoned the PI for basic support to access the App’s home practices; however, little to no technical support was required towards the end of the program. Furthermore, technology use did not affect participating in the group. The qualified-MBSR teachers noted that most if not all participants were engaged, involved in group discussions, came prepared and were on time.No participants who used tablets switched to low technology; for example, those who started using tablets for home practice continued doing so until the study’s end.The results of the focus group at the end of the MBSR program are outlined in Table Major themes and sub-themes(P#11, age 61) “I trust this setting. I trust the people [staff] here.”OT #3) “there was a sense of trust; trust came up a lot for people that it felt kind of safe...”(P#21, age 60), “seeing benefits in my state of relaxation and reactions to daily issues.”(P#16, age 68), “I found it was calming … makes me feel emotionally better.”(P#18, age 61), “There has been a change in my mental karma, it is now more peaceful.”(P#2, age 82) “.. we end up caring about each other and taking care of each other...”(OT #3), “I think the group alone provided a sense of social support, and community for people”(P#16, age 68), “I find it easier to do [breathing] whenever I am waiting for someone or something”.(P#27, age 60), “I loved the walking one. I never thought about walking being as complex and difficult as it is.”(P#16, age 68), “I’m not afraid of technology.”(P#23, age 74), “I am grateful for the opportunity to learn to use the iPad.”(P#11, age 61), “I think seniors are natural to technology actually.”(P#27, age 60), “I found that it was so portable … “OT #2) “It’s portable- this particular size of the device … [and] … very accessible at the touch of a button.”(P#2, age 82), “But there was also help – I had – a problem.. and it got fixed – you had a problem, and it got fixed. Mine got stuck in a place where I couldn’t figure it out. Well, actually a couple of times I had to call up [PI] and say, ‘What’s going on?’“(P#23, age 74), “I don’t use that much technology, so using the iPad was new for me. And I had some difficulties at the beginning..”(OT #2), “a lot of questions- they were very simple questions … it was pretty much just how to use the app or how to log into the internet.”