scholarly journals Comparison of Older and Younger Adults’ Attitudes Toward the Adoption and Use of Activity Trackers (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunyoung Kim ◽  
Abhishek Choudhury
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Activity Tracking ◽  
Activity Trackers ◽  
Participant Group

BACKGROUND Activity tracking devices have significant potential in assisting older adults’ health care and quality of life, but this population lags behind in the adoption of these devices. While theoretical frameworks have been introduced to explain and increase the adoption of this technology by older adults, little effort has been made to validate the frameworks with people in other age groups. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to validate the theoretical framework of technology acceptance by older adults that we previously proposed through a direct comparison of the attitudes to and experiences of activity trackers in older and younger users. METHODS Semistructured interviews were conducted with 2 groups of 15 participants to investigate their experiences of using activity trackers. The recruitment criteria included age (between 18 years and 24 years for the younger participant group or 65 years and older for the older participant group) and prior experiences of using mobile devices or apps for activity tracking for 2 months and longer. RESULTS Our findings showed that the phase of <i>perceived ease of learning</i> as a significant influencer of the acceptance of activity trackers existed only in the older participant group, but this phase never emerged in the younger participant group. In addition, this study confirmed that other phases exist in both age groups, but 2 distinct patterns emerged according to age groups: (1) the <i>social influence</i> construct influenced the older participants positively but the younger participants negatively and (2) older participants’ exploration in the <i>system experiment</i> phase was purpose-driven by particular needs or benefits but for younger participants, it was a phase to explore a new technology. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the validity of the proposed theoretical framework to account for the unique aspect of older adults’ technology adoption. This framework can provide theoretical guidelines when designing technology for older adults as well as when generating new investigations and experiments for older adults and technology use.

scholarly journals Comparison of Older and Younger Adults’ Attitudes Toward the Adoption and Use of Activity Trackers

10.2196/18312 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e18312
Author(s):  
Sunyoung Kim ◽  
Abhishek Choudhury
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Activity Tracking ◽  
Activity Trackers ◽  
Participant Group

Background Activity tracking devices have significant potential in assisting older adults’ health care and quality of life, but this population lags behind in the adoption of these devices. While theoretical frameworks have been introduced to explain and increase the adoption of this technology by older adults, little effort has been made to validate the frameworks with people in other age groups. Objective The goal of this study was to validate the theoretical framework of technology acceptance by older adults that we previously proposed through a direct comparison of the attitudes to and experiences of activity trackers in older and younger users. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with 2 groups of 15 participants to investigate their experiences of using activity trackers. The recruitment criteria included age (between 18 years and 24 years for the younger participant group or 65 years and older for the older participant group) and prior experiences of using mobile devices or apps for activity tracking for 2 months and longer. Results Our findings showed that the phase of perceived ease of learning as a significant influencer of the acceptance of activity trackers existed only in the older participant group, but this phase never emerged in the younger participant group. In addition, this study confirmed that other phases exist in both age groups, but 2 distinct patterns emerged according to age groups: (1) the social influence construct influenced the older participants positively but the younger participants negatively and (2) older participants’ exploration in the system experiment phase was purpose-driven by particular needs or benefits but for younger participants, it was a phase to explore a new technology. Conclusions This study confirms the validity of the proposed theoretical framework to account for the unique aspect of older adults’ technology adoption. This framework can provide theoretical guidelines when designing technology for older adults as well as when generating new investigations and experiments for older adults and technology use.

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Acceptance of Technology During the Pandemic: The COVID Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 1021-1021
Author(s):  
Megan O'Connell ◽  
Kristen Haase ◽  
Allison Cammer ◽  
Shelley Peacock ◽  
Theodore Cosco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Technology Acceptance Model ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Community Connections ◽  
Adoption Of New Technology ◽  
Acceptance Model

Abstract During the pandemic, technology-mediated communication was one of the few ways to maintain social and community connections. We explored how the pandemic impacted older adults’ use and appraisal of technology. In a random sample of 407 older adults (M age = 81.1 years; range 65-105 years) almost half (n = 161) reported they changed how they used technology to virtually connect with others during the pandemic, and 78 of these reported that this was new technology for them. We adapted the technology acceptance model (TAM) for the pandemic, the COVID-TAM, and describe how physical distancing led to new acceptance of technology due to an increased perception of usefulness of technology for maintaining community and social connections. The 71 older adults who denied using technology were asked about the reasons underlying their reluctance to use technology to access social networks and community events during the pandemic. Thematic analysis revealed factors consistent with a double-digital divide; lack of physical exposure to technology creates an additional psychological barrier to adoption of new technology. Of the technology-reluctant subgroup of older adults, few reported lack of perceived usefulness of technology during the pandemic. Instead, most reported lack of self-efficacy or fear of technology underlying their lack of technology use for social and community connections during the pandemic, which we incorporate into the COVID-TAM. Findings indicate that technology training can help mitigate this fear and increase social and community connections that are technology-mediated in circumstances where physical distancing is necessary.

scholarly journals Older Adults and Technology Use: A Systematic Literature Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 823-823
Author(s):  
Hyung Wook Choi ◽  
Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili ◽  
Mat Kelly ◽  
Alexander Poole ◽  
Erjia Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sample Population ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Nuanced Understanding ◽  
Smart Technologies ◽  
Age Range

Abstract Researchers are increasingly interested in leveraging technology to support the physical and mental well-being of older adults. We systematically reviewed previous scholars’ criteria for sampling older adult populations, focusing on age cohorts (namely adults over 65) and their use of internet and smart technologies. We iteratively developed keyword combinations that represent older adults and technology from the retrieved literature. Between 2011 and 2020, 70 systematic reviews were identified, 26 of which met our inclusion criteria for full review. Most important, not one of the 26 papers used a sample population classification more fine-grained than “65 and older.” A knowledge gap thus exists; researchers lack a nuanced understanding of differences within this extraordinarily broad age-range. Demographics that we propose to analyze empirically include not only finer measures of age (e.g., 65-70 or 71-75, as opposed to “65 and older”), but also those age groups’ attitudes toward and capacity for technology use.

The Promise of Information and Communication Technology in Volunteer Administration

2018 ◽  
pp. 1388-1407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly E. Proulx ◽  
Mark A. Hager ◽  
Denise A. Wittstock
Keyword(s):  
Nonprofit Organizations ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Volunteer Management ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Volunteer Programs ◽  
Volunteer Administration ◽  
The Impact

Traditional volunteer management is a bureaucratic process involving recruitment, screening, training, assignment, scheduling, recognition, retention, and reporting on volunteers. New workplace technologies provide ways to conduct these tasks with greater efficiency and increased accuracy, thereby enhancing both the volunteer experience and the impact of volunteers on organizational operations. This chapter reviews the literature regarding theories of technology acceptance and use, technology use in nonprofit organizations, and technology in volunteer programs. Three organizational case studies provide insights into both the promise and limitations of the adoption and use of Volgistics, a commonly used Web-based software designed for volunteer management in nonprofit organizations. The authors conclude by discussing what these cases suggest for the challenges and promise of adoption of new technology in the management of volunteers.

Older Adults and Their Internet Behaviors

2012 ◽  
pp. 608-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Mazur ◽  
Margaret L. Signorella ◽  
Michelle Hough
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Attitudinal Barriers ◽  
Cognitive Limitations ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Use Of The Internet

Early research on older adult computer users focused on the possibility for technology to increase social interaction and alleviate loneliness. Subsequent research has been equivocal on the possible benefits of the Internet for well-being. Nonetheless, in spite of an initial “gray gap,” older adults are increasingly joining younger cohorts in using the Internet. Barriers to older adults’ use of the Internet remain, such as physical and cognitive limitations. Attitudinal barriers may exist, but it is unclear whether these result from lack of experience or differences in income or health status. Business researchers have found that older persons differ from other age groups in their Internet engagement patterns, including online buying. Future research directions include whether computers can improve cognitive functioning and quality of life, how to increase engagement levels, and if there will always be a lag in technology use among older adults.

Learning New Technologies: The Effect of Ease of Learning

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina M. Loraas ◽  
Michelle Chandler Diaz
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Goal Orientations ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Elaboration Likelihood ◽  
Likelihood Model ◽  
Situational Learning

ABSTRACT Service professionals are often confronted with situations where they have the choice about whether to learn a new technology that could create efficiencies on both current and future engagements. We investigate how the perception of ease of learning affects this decision to voluntarily learn a new technology in the post-adoptive context. Using the elaboration likelihood model as a framework, we predict and find evidence that ease of learning perceptions drive the level of processing undergone by the potential user. When technology is easy to use, potential users rely on their situational learning dispositions. However, when the technology is difficult, suggesting a greater risk of failure, situational goal orientations are less influential, and potential users rely more on dispositional goal orientations. Our findings have implications for future research on technology acceptance and use, as well as ramifications for encouraging technology use “on the job.” Data Availability: Full instrument provided in Appendix A.

scholarly journals Frailty Status Moderates the Association Between Self-Efficacy and the Intention to Technology Use

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 660-660
Author(s):  
Miseon Kang ◽  
Si Young Song ◽  
Inhye Jung ◽  
YoonMyung Kim ◽  
Chang Oh Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Continuous Variables ◽  
Frailty Status ◽  
The Status ◽  
Acceptance Model

Abstract This study examined how the status of frailty moderated the association between the self-efficacy about gerontechnology use and the intention to use gerontechnology (IUG) among Korean older adults. In this study, gerontechnology devices referred to exoskeleton robots for exercise. The data was collected through an online survey in February 2021, and 324 Korean older adults aged 65 and above were included in the analysis (Women: 50.9%, Men: 49.1%). The dependent variable was the intention to use gerontechnology from the Almere model (Heerink, 2010) and the independent variable was self-efficacy about gerontechnology use from the Senior Technology Acceptance Model(Chen & Chan, 2014). Both were measured as continuous variables. The moderating variable was the status of frailty (Non-frail=0, Frail=1). Age, gender, education level, and log-transformed household income were controlled for. Multiple linear regression to examine moderation effect was conducted using PROCESS Macro model 1. The findings showed that frailty status moderates the association between self-efficacy and IUG among Korean older adults. Concretely, the higher self-efficacy about gerontechnology use, the lower IUG for non-frail Korean older adults. However, the main effect of self-efficacy was non-significant for the frail sample. Even though self-efficacy has been known to affect the variables related to technology use or acceptance positively, the results suggest that there may exist differences in research results depending on participants' health status. The type of gerontechnology devices may also have affected the results. Further exploration is needed to the interaction effects of potential influencing factors on the gerontechnology acceptance model.

scholarly journals Using the Technology Acceptance Model to Identify Factors That Predict Likelihood to Adopt Tele-Neurorehabilitation

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlena Klaic ◽  
Mary P. Galea
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Technology Acceptance Model ◽  
Computer Anxiety ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Human Decision ◽  
Acceptance Model

Tele-neurorehabilitation has the potential to reduce accessibility barriers and enhance patient outcomes through a more seamless continuum of care. A growing number of studies have found that tele-neurorehabilitation produces equivalent results to usual care for a variety of outcomes including activities of daily living and health related quality of life. Despite the potential of tele-neurorehabilitation, this model of care has failed to achieve mainstream adoption. Little is known about feasibility and acceptability of tele-neurorehabilitation and most published studies do not use a validated model to guide and evaluate implementation. The technology acceptance model (TAM) was developed 20 years ago and is one of the most widely used theoretical frameworks for predicting an individual's likelihood to adopt and use new technology. The TAM3 further built on the original model by incorporating additional elements from human decision making such as computer anxiety. In this perspective, we utilize the TAM3 to systematically map the findings from existing published studies, in order to explore the determinants of adoption of tele-neurorehabilitation by both stroke survivors and prescribing clinicians. We present evidence suggesting that computer self-efficacy and computer anxiety are significant predictors of an individual's likelihood to use tele-neurorehabilitation. Understanding what factors support or hinder uptake of tele-neurorehabilitation can assist in translatability and sustainable adoption of this technology. If we are to shift tele-neurorehabilitation from the research domain to become a mainstream health sector activity, key stakeholders must address the barriers that have consistently hindered adoption.

scholarly journals Older Adults’ Perceptions of ICT: Main Findings from the Technology In Later Life (TILL) Study

Healthcare ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Ramsden Marston ◽  
Rebecca Genoe ◽  
Shannon Freeman ◽  
Cory Kulczycki ◽  
Charles Musselwhite
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Intergenerational Relationships ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Initial Study ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Impact Behavior ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
The Impact

Technology is entwined in 21st Century society, and within the lives of people across all ages. The Technology In Later Life (TILL) study is the first piece of work contributing to the impact, behavior, and perception of technology use, by adults aged ≥70 years, residing in rural and suburban areas. TILL is an international, multi-centred, multi-methods study investigating and conceptualizing how various technologies impact the lives of older adults; residing in urban and rural locations in the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada. This in-depth study recruited 37 participants via a multi-methods approach. Analysis of the findings ascertained two overarching themes: facilitators of technology use (i.e., sharing of information and feeling secure), and detractors of technology (i.e., feelings of apprehension of use). Proposed recommendations include promotion of technology from a strengths-based perspective focusing on positive opportunities technology to improve health and wellbeing, creating a peer support network to assist with learning of new technology, and the need to examine further how intergenerational relationships may be enhanced through the use of technology. The distinction of these themes narrates to the originality of this initial study and milieu of recruited participants, intersecting across the fields of gerontology, geography, social sciences, and gerontechnology.

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