Exploring Technology Perceptions and Intentions to Use in Older Adults

By the year 2035, the older adult population is expected to expand to 78 million in the United States. Advancing technology has made aging in place a more accessible possibility; however, understanding what is preventing this population from adopting the advancing devices remains to be a challenge as the presence of a digital divide continues to exist. A 34-question survey adapted from the Technology Proficiency Self-Assessment Questionnaire, and the National Technology Readiness survey was administered to 101 participants over the age of 50 across five local senior centers. The average age range was 70-79 and most were female (79.2%), white (69%), and owned or had access to technology such as a computer or cell phone (93%). Examples of findings include 86% felt technology limited human interaction and 69% felt the use of technology could lead to security risk and a breach of privacy, while 79% felt technology could improve their quality of life. Results found 60-69-year-olds were significantly more likely (p<.05) to have or use technology versus 80-89-year-olds. Correlation between perception and intent to use technology among older adults was positive with a coefficient value of .59(p<.01). Showing a relationship between perceptions and behavioral intentions to use technology, specifically in 60-69-year-olds. This study found access to technology (i.e. computers, cell phones, internet) was not a driving factor of usage among the older population attending a senior center. To increase understanding further exploration of perceptions and intentions to use technology is warranted in the older adult population.