Background: The rise of mobile Web-based technologies has diversified the
mechanisms used by people to socialize. However, the reluctance of older adults
to use digital media may cause social isolation, and therefore negatively
affect their physical and mental health. Objective: This paper aims to present
the formalization of a model to mediate asymmetries in cross-generational
communication and enhance the inclusion of older adults using computer-based
mechanisms. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews to the members of
20 cross-generational families. Following the grounded theory approach, we
identified emerging themes regarding asymmetries in family communication
practices when older adults are involved. We then derived and formalized
computer-based media-tion strategies using a model-driven engineering approach.
Results: We identified three main sources of asymmetries: (1) implicit family
agreements in terms of communication, (2) capability and preference for using
different in different interaction scenarios, and (3) socio-affective coupling
be-tween the involved parties. The proposed model addresses these asymmetries
and provides computer-based mediation strategies to coordinate the
communication effort of family members with their elders. Conclusions: By using
the proposed model, designers of software that supports family communities can
conceive effective mechanisms to coordinate and mediate social communication
among cross-generational family members through digital means. This allows the
elderly to show a better reaction to digital media, thus fa-cilitating their
acceptance and appropriation of information technologies