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I will interview my grandfather and grandmother on their differences in handling technology.

I will also formal Google doc to see how comfortable people are with using social media, the internet, and any of its overall uses.

I also want to get an interview from a journalist who has written about the subject to confer with them about their data.

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Some older individuals have difficulty with technology because they believe they will make costly mistakes. Erik Fulmer says, " You may feel overwhelmed by the idea of using technology because you are afraid of making costly mistakes. It's understandable to be a little scared of something new, especially when it comes to technology."(para. 19). This concept is very overlooked and many of the elderly have not always had technology at their fingertips. Millennials and Gen Z of been around technology predominantly their entire lives. Learning something new is a challenge for everyone and our generations must give them their time to figure out how to connect to the wifi router or answer a Facetime call. No matter how easy it is.

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Technology has become an integral part of our lives, and for many seniors, it can be a difficult and intimidating experience to learn how to use and navigate new tech. Whether it's learning how to use a computer, smartphone, or other digital device, it can be a challenge to keep up with all the advances in technology. Despite the difficulty, there are numerous benefits to becoming tech-savvy, such as improved communication, access to resources and information, and increased convenience.

In this article, we'll explore eight reasons why seniors may struggle with technology, as well as how they can overcome these obstacles and unlock the potential of new technology.

Getting a HelpCloud tech support membership gives you 24/7 access to live technicians and experts, to assist with ANY at-home tech issue.

1. Difficulty Learning New Concepts and Programs

You may feel completely at a loss when trying to learn new concepts and programs related to technology. You might find it difficult to understand how things work, or why things are done a certain way. It can be hard to keep up with the constant changes in technology, and the terminology can be confusing.

The key is to take it slow and break things down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Each time you learn something new, it will become easier to understand the next concept. Dedicate a specific amount of time to learning a new concept each day, and you'll soon have a better grasp on how things work.

2. Unable To Keep Up With Rapid Technology Advances

You may feel like you can't keep up with the rapid advances in technology. It is true that new tech gadgets and services are being developed all the time, making it difficult to stay on top of the latest trends. But don't despair! You don't have to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and products if it isn't something that interests you.

Instead, you can focus on the tech that you do want to learn and use. And when you run into tech issues, you don't have to go it alone. A tech support plan with a company like HelpCloud can help alleviate at-home tech issues and the respective stress. With 24/7 support and experienced advisors, you can get the assistance you need, when you need it, to help keep your tech running smoothly. That way, you can focus on the tech that you want to use - not the tech that's constantly changing.

3. Negativity of Social Media

If you're like most seniors, you value face-to-face connections above any other form of communication. This can raise concerns about social media and how it may affect your personal connections.

You may feel overwhelmed by the idea of social media and how it could potentially interfere with your in-person relationships. It is okay to protect your face-to-face relationships, but why not consider it as an opportunity to expand your social circle and increase your connectedness? Social media can be a great way to stay in touch with family and friends, and even make new connections. It can also provide a sense of support and comfort when in-person contact isn't possible.

It is important to remember that social media doesn't have to take away from your face-to-face relationships. Instead, it can be a great supplement to them.

4. Difficulty Seeing or Hearing Due to Age-Related Impairments

You may be finding it increasingly difficult to see or hear details on a screen due to age-related impairments. Age-related impairments can include vision loss due to macular degeneration, glaucoma, or cataracts, or hearing loss due to an age-related condition. This can make it difficult to learn and use new technologies, as they often require the ability to see and hear clearly.

Fortunately, there are ways to help make using technology easier for seniors with vision and hearing impairments. For starters, you can use larger font sizes and high contrast color schemes to make text easier to read. You can also use hearing aids to make it easier to hear audio or video instructions.

Finally, you can take advantage of assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, and remote tech-support services to help you navigate and interact with technology. With a little bit of knowledge and the right tools, you can make using technology a breeze!

5. You Worry About the Risks of Online Security

Many seniors fear that the internet is unsafe and too complicated to use. It is true that there are risks associated with technology, but there are also simple tips you can use to keep your information secure and protect yourself online.

Take time to read through online safety tips, such as keeping your passwords secure and creating a backup of important data. Also be aware of the different types of scams and phishing attempts that are out there, and never provide personal information or financial details to anyone online.

6. Age-Related Brain Changes

Your brain is not what it used to be. As you age, the physical structure of your brain and the chemicals that affect your cognition, emotions, and behavior all change. This can create barriers to learning new technology.

Your memory may be affected by age-related changes in your brain, making it more difficult to remember new information. Your reaction time and ability to multitask may be slower, making it more challenging to learn new tech skills. Also, changes in your hearing and vision can make it difficult to take in all the information in a tech tutorial or a user manual.

7. Difficulty Understanding Complex Instructions

You may find it difficult to understand complex instructions when it comes to using technology. If you're like many seniors, you may find the instructions to be confusing, making it challenging to learn how to use the technology. This can be discouraging and make it hard to stay motivated.

One way to improve your understanding of complex instructions is to write them down. Breaking down the instructions step-by-step can help you to better comprehend them. You can also ask for help from a family member or friend who is more tech-savvy. Don't be afraid to ask questions if something doesn't make sense. With practice, you can become more comfortable with technology and better understand its instructions.

8. Fear of Making Costly Mistakes When Using Technology

You may feel overwhelmed by the idea of using technology because you are afraid of making costly mistakes. It's understandable to be a little scared of something new, especially when it comes to technology. However, you don't have to be afraid of making mistakes. Just like with any new skill, it's important to learn the basics and take it slow. Start with small tasks and practice as much as you can. It may take some time and patience, but by taking it one step at a time you can become comfortable with technology and avoid making costly mistakes. There are also plenty of resources available online that you can use to help you learn how to use technology, from tutorials to videos and more!

Tech Tips for Seniors: Overcoming the Challenges of Technology

As a senior, the rapid changes in technology can be intimidating. While it can be difficult to learn new tech, the benefits of becoming tech-savvy can improve your quality of life and make your daily life easier. Here are five tips that can help you become more comfortable and confident with technology:

Start with something simple

Don't be overwhelmed by the thought of learning complex technology. Start with something simple and work your way up. Try learning how to use a basic smartphone or how to send an email. Once you've mastered the basics, you can move on to more complex technology.

Ask for help

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Friends, family, and tech professionals are all available to help you learn the ropes. Don't be embarrassed by not knowing how to use a certain piece of technology; everyone has to start somewhere.

Take a class

Many local libraries, senior centers, and other organizations offer classes designed for seniors who want to learn about technology. These classes are a great way to learn from experienced instructors and get hands-on experience.

Utilize online resources

There are many online resources available to help you learn about technology. Tutorials, websites, and apps can all be helpful in getting you up to speed with the latest technologies.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes

Mistakes are part of the learning process. Don't be afraid to experiment with new technology and use trial and error to get the hang of it.

With a little bit of patience and perseverance, you can become comfortable and confident with technology. Technology can open up a whole new world of possibilities and help you stay connected with the world around you.

Get the Tech Help You Need with HelpCloud

Are you tired of dealing with tech issues and the stress they cause? Do you want to be able to trust that your technology is always working correctly? With HelpCloud, you can have the peace of mind that your technology is up-to-date and working correctly. HelpCloud offers tech support plans tailored to your needs, so you can get the help you need whenever you need it.

Our plans are designed to give you access to our knowledgeable USA-based tech advisors, 24/7 tech support for all devices, computer cleans and optimizations, unlimited data backup in the cloud, and much more. Whether you choose our Unlimited, Premium, or Express plan, you can trust that you're getting the best help available.

Don't let tech issues and the stress they cause interrupt your life. Get the tech help you need with HelpCloud. Sign up today and start enjoying the benefits of our tech support plans. With HelpCloud, you can trust that your technology is always running smoothly and you can get the help you need when you need it.

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8 Reasons Seniors Can Struggle with Technology

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Technology has become an integral part of our lives, and for many seniors, it can be a difficult and intimidating experience to learn how to use and...

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Many seniors "might be experiencing a lack of motivation (TYE Medical para. 7). When older generations like boomers and even some GEN X members are taking to technology they believe they don't need it because they have never needed it in the past. Indeed, we can technically go on in society with the utmost technology we have now but in our society today it is essential to be able to do simple tasks concerning the internet. This is due to many occupational practices and companies moving strictly to online databases. Almost nothing is paper and pencil anymore. The older generation needs to be aware of the efficient, time saving tools that technology provides.

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New tech can be a bit overwhelming for anyone, but it's often even more intimidating if you're a senior adult. Many physical, cultural, mental, and even psychological factors come into play, and for some, the challenges become real obstacles.

Even if you want to become tech-savvy or computer literate, you may be facing obstacles that hinder you. Those difficulties can seem enormous and impossible to overcome at times. But the truth is, the benefits of gaining tech ability can far outweigh the effort it takes to learn.

Consider these reasons you may struggle with technology and pinpoint the ones that most trouble you. Is there a bias or fear you can set aside? Instead of focusing on your feelings, consider how the technology could improve your quality of life or add convenience and time to your day.

Tech benefits aren't just for the "younger folks". Technology can improve your life as well!

1. Unfamiliarity-You Didn't Grow Up with It

Most of us aren't comfortable with the unknown or unfamiliar. And since you didn't grow up with a cell phone in your hand or a social media account, the technological advances can feel awkward. We call this the "tech gap," and we see it from generation to generation. This is the big reason why some devices or applications feel so overwhelming.

So, what's the solution? Spend some time with tech or devices that you believe will most benefit you. Eventually, they will become more familiar and less intimidating. Soon, you'll wonder how you lived without them!

2. You Don't Think You Need It

You might be experiencing a lack of motivation. Maybe you just don't see how specific technologies could make your life better. So what is the point? Why take the time to learn it? It's true that not all tech may be an asset to your life. But it's certain that there are some conveniences, time savers, and efficiencies that would help you in some way. So, try to keep an open mind and get some facts about specific devices and applications and how they are used.

3. Negativity About Social Media

If you're like most seniors, you value face-to-face connections above any other form of communication. This can raise concerns about social media and how it may affect your personal connections. You may even become frustrated about all the emails, texts, and Skype calls, because they interfere with your in-person social interaction.

But consider that many seniors gain increased social interaction through the use of social media. It's okay to protect your face-to-face relationships but including social media and digital communications may expand your interaction and increase your connectedness.

4. Fear the Internet Is Unsafe

Safety might be a concern that keeps you from exploring technology. If you shy away from anything that requires putting your personal information on the internet, you're not alone. This is a legitimate concern that many people should take more seriously. But it's an issue that can be readily addressed by learning best practices for internet safety.

There are some simple guidelines that can protect you from threats. Gaining some understanding and receiving instruction in this area can alleviate fears and give you safe access to the internet. We share some of these tips later in the article.

5. Your Changing Brain

Your brain surpasses the power of the most sophisticated computer with millions of connections occurring every second. As your biological processes change with age, it affects your brain function even if you're healthy. Changes include more struggles with memory, difficulty with complex concepts, and slowed thinking.

This is a natural process as some areas of the brain shrink with age and communication between neurons slows. These changes can pose challenges as you seek to learn new technology.

But like a muscle, your "brain power" increases as you use it. Even though it might seem daunting and difficult at first, your persistence can pay off. You can be successful in learning new tech as a senior if you're patient with yourself and realize there might be a bigger learning curve. But that's okay!

6. Vision Loss

If you have a condition like macular degeneration, glaucoma, or cataracts, your vision may be impaired enough to affect your ability to learn or use technology. This loss of sight might cause you to shy away from screens and tech, which require the ability to see clearly and up close.

But the good news is that as you address the condition and seek treatment such as cataract surgery, your vision will clear up. This better equips you to learn and use the technologies that can benefit you.

7. Too Expensive

If you're living on a fixed income, your budget is probably tight, and we all know that tech can be expensive. This can discourage you from pursuing its benefits, especially if you look at the price of the latest iPhone!

But don't count yourself out just yet. It's still very possible to use devices, and even the internet, on a budget. Affordable smart phones are available at places like Walmart for less than $100, and you can still find reasonably priced phone plans.

8. Tech Anxiety

Sometimes, we can build things up in our minds until they're very intimidating and generate anxiety. Maybe you've convinced yourself that it's far too difficult, and you don't want to fail. Or maybe it's the fear of harming or breaking an expensive device. In these cases, it can seem easier to just avoid most tech altogether.

If this sounds like you, then first recognize the anxiety and apply some of the principles from this article. It is very possible for seniors to learn new technology, but it will take time and patience. When you accept this, it can defeat much of the rising anxiety. And as stated above, not all tech is expensive, and you may not have to be so concerned about something going wrong.

If you're motivated to dive in and up your tech game as a senior adult, then you could probably use a few additional tips to set you on the path to success.

Choose Strong Passwords

For websites and accounts, you'll need a secure password for login. Choose a unique password (not 1234 or your name) and incorporate special characters for additional protection. But it's also important to choose a password you can remember. And it's okay to write passwords down and keep them in an easy to access location.

It's also important not to enter your password information if you don't recognize the website. If the website looks different than it usually does, it could be "spoofed" to gain your login information. Take steps to verify that this is the correct website before entering your information.

Adjust Smartphone Settings for Easy Reading

If it seems that the text size on your phone is too small, you can change the settings to increase the size and even adjust the screen brightness. For most iPhones, you can accomplish adjust the settings if you open Settings>Accessibility>Display and Text Size. For Android phones open Settings>Display>Font Size and Style.

Keep Antivirus Software Updated

Whoever set up your computer likely installed antivirus software to protect it. If not, you can easily download free antivirus software without much tech knowledge required. But the key is to keep it updated. Many versions may auto-update, or you may see a pop-up window asking you to start an update. When you see this, don't ignore it. Initiate the update to keep your device protected from the latest viruses.

Don't Reply to Emails from People You Don't Know

Scammers often send an email that makes is sound like they know you or have a connection to you, whether personal or business, hoping that you'll give out personal information. They might even send you a great offer in exchange for sensitive or personal data. The best policy is not to reply to any email that is from someone you don't know, no matter how good the offer is.

Click Links and Open Attachments with Caution

Before you click a link or open an attachment in an email, verify that you know the sender. Cyber predators can unleash viruses or gain access to your device when you click a malicious link or attachment. The best way to protect yourself is to be sure you know who the email is coming from before clicking anything.

Easily Order Online and Receive Free Shipping Through TYE Medical

If you are learning to appreciate the conveniences of technology, then you'll also appreciate the quick and easy way you can order online with TYE Medical. When you shop online with us you can navigate our premium incontinence products with ease and receive free discreet shipping on all orders with the click of a button.

And our website is secure, allowing you to input your payment information with confidence.

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8 Reasons Seniors Can Struggle with Technology (and Tech Tips to Overcome)

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New tech can be a bit overwhelming for anyone, but it's often even more intimidating if you're a senior adult. But the truth is, the benefits of gaining tech ability can far outweigh the effort it takes to learn.

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Grandfather

How old are you?76

When did you receive your first electrical device? When phones first came out.

Do you believe using technology is difficult? Yes, I think it is for people over 70 because we didn't frow with it and people over 70 don't want to take the time to start over and learn other than just using the phone as a phone to call only.

Do you believe technology is overwhelming to use? If so, why? Not for young people who started before they were in school.

What are the challenges you believe come with using technology? Trying to find passwords and ordering online.

Do you think technology is advancing too fast? No

Is technology essential to your day-to-day activities? Yes.

What aspects of technology are most difficult? (social media, installing new devices, etc.) Installing new devices and Facebook.

Finally, what is your screen time? (see if they can access it)? He just listed stuff we do on his phone.

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Dad

How old are you? 47 When did you receive your first electrical device? 23 yo Do you believe using technology is difficult? No, my work ensures I have to stay up to date with latest tech. Do you believe technology is overwhelming to use?If so, why? No, but can be frustrating when simple task take longer b/c of tech issues. What are the challenges you believe come with using technology? Staying up to date. Tech is ever-evolving and if you’re not staying up to date it can pass you by. Do you think technology is advancing too fast? Is someways yes and others no. Is technology essential to your day-to-day activities? Yes What aspects of technology are most difficult? (social media, installing new devices, etc.) I feel pretty comfortable with most tech. Keeping up with passwords is the most challenging:) Finally, what is your screen time? Daily average is 6hrs 28m

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Tracy Mitzer- Georgia Tech Professor (Not gotten back with me yet)

What is your opinion on how fast technology is advancing?

That's a big question! My focus is on technology and aging. So my interest with how fast technology is advancing is in helping older people use technology. So they are not left out, but also understand how technology works so that they are not as likely to be the victim of scams that are technology based. Like AI scams.

Do you believe the older generation is capable of keeping up with the technological growth our society is pursuing?

this statistics show that older adults do adopt technology over time. They just typically adopt it at a slower rate than younger adults. And part of the reason for that is that technology is often not designed for older users so it requires more time and effort for them to learn how to use a technology.  in addition, The technology acceptance literature shows that in order to adopt a technology a person needs to see that the benefits outweigh the cost. It might take more time for older people to see the benefits of technology for their lives.

Can you explain some pros and cons surrounding the elderly's stance on technology?

The pros are that if we design technology well, using universal design principles, it should be usable by all people, including older adults and those with disabilities. The cons are that is not designed this way. In fact, software designers mean age is less than 30 years old. So you have , very young people designing technologies and they may not know how to design for older users.

For people who struggle with using technology, what are ways they can make technology more accommodating?

They can find classes that teach about how to use different technologies. Sometimes they are offered for free at senior centers. And there are some small companies that offer tutoring of technologies for seniors. Also, some of the manufacturers like Apple offer tech-support many seniors report also getting help from family, including their grandchildren! Sometimes it can help to go into the accessibility settings and make some changes such as text size that can make technologies like smart phones a lot easier to use for an older person.

Concerning your article, Older Adults Talk Technology: Technology Usage and Attitudes, published in the National Library of Medicine, can you explain the process and results for conducting this study?

In this study, we interviewed over 100 participants who were all older adults in small groups. We asked them what they liked and disliked about different technologies. The main findings were that they liked many of the benefits of technologies such as the support for communication, financial activities, etc. They also had dislikes such as complexity of certain technologies. However, the overall result was that they felt that the benefits outweighed the costs. That is, they had more likes and dislikes.

Do you believe some older people have trouble with technology because they get overwhelmed?

Yes, one of the factors that influence technology, adoption and acceptance is self efficacy. Self efficacy can also be thought of as confidence to do a certain task or activity. So if an older person has low self efficacy for using a technology, they are more likely to give up and not adopt that technology.

Do you believe some of the older generation believe that there is no need for technology in today's society because they never used in the past?

Yes, I think some non-technology users think they don't need a technology. But once introduced to one, they might change their mind if then they see that it benefits their life.

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Intro: Talk about specific stereotypes that draw the line between the different generations (type of coffee, texting, or clothes). This leads to technology use.

Go into an interview with family members. Give background on experiences with my experiences with each of them on their use of technology.

Then go into Google Doc interview to view a broader scope. Use statistics and compare and contrast to how I viewed before and after the results.

Then go into my interview with a professional to get a full academic overview relating to another journalist.

End with solutions and how older people can overcome their struggles with technology.

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"An AARP (2008) report showed that older adults are willing to use a wide range of technologies to maintain social connections, “gather information, be safe at home, and promote their personal health and wellness” (p. 1) if these technologies allow them to remain independent." (Paraphrase this).

A major negative that many older people have concerning their technological use is their independence. They want a device that will make them safer to call 911 (for help) or help keep in contact with loved ones but they believe it is not essential to their living. They want independence from the screen and social media platforms and don't want to be engulfed by other people's posts online.

Another negative is many older people are not enjoying their work anymore and/or are pushed out for younger individuals who are more tech-savvy and can navigate new technological installments in their workplace.

Another negative most old people have on technology is perceived interruptions, financial expenses, and effort to costs of using technology in their homes. Workplace technologies were disliked for some of the same reasons (i.e., interruptions and effort). Physical inconvenience was a complaint specific to healthcare technologies, which may be due to the fact that many measures of physical health status rely on some sort of physical intrusion or discomfort.

Positives included the majority of conveniences like kitchen appliance access, and communication (calls), and some even look at cell phones as safety devices.

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Tracy L. Mitzner, 1,* Julie B. Boron, ² Cara Bailey Fausset, ¹ Anne E. Adams, ¹ Neil Charness, ³ Sara J. Czaja, ⁴ Katinka Dijkstra, ⁵ Arthur D. Fisk, ¹ Wendy A. Rogers, ¹ and Joseph Sharit ⁶

Abstract

Older adults (n = 113) participated in focus groups discussing their use of and attitudes about technology in the context of their home, work, and healthcare. Participants reported using a wide variety of technology items, particularly in their homes. Positive attitudes (i.e., likes) outnumbered negative attitudes (i.e., dislikes), suggesting that older adults perceive the benefits of technology use to outweigh the costs of such use. Positive attitudes were most frequently related to how the technology supported activities, enhanced convenience, and contained useful features. Negative attitudes were most frequently associated with technology creating inconveniences, unhelpful features, as well as security and reliability concerns. Given that older adults reported more positive than negative attitudes about the technologies they use, these results contradict stereotypes that older adults are afraid or unwilling to use technology. These findings also highlight the importance of perceived benefits of use and ease of use for models of technology acceptance. Emphasizing the benefits of technology in education and training programs may increase future technology adoption.

Keywords: Technology, Older Adults, Work, Healthcare, Home

Technology adoption is becoming imperative to function in modern day society because it is pervasive across all domains of life. Moreover, technology can facilitate everyday tasks enabling older adults (i.e., 65 years of age or older) to remain independent longer. Over 90% of adults over the age of 65 live independently ( U.S. Census Bureau, 2000), and most of the older population prefers to remain in their own homes as long as they are able ( AARP, 1996). The majority of older adults' activities occur within the home environment ( Baltes, Maas, Wilms, Borchelt, & Little, 1999), and technology can support aging in place. Technology can support many home-based tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and yard maintenance. In addition, technology items such as cell phones and medical alert systems can be lifesaving when in need of immediate help. Older adults do recognize the potential of technology to facilitate independence. An AARP (2008) report showed that older adults are willing to use a wide range of technologies to maintain social connections, "gather information, be safe at home, and promote their personal health and wellness" (p. 1) if these technologies allow them to remain independent.

Technology is ubiquitous in the work domain as well and computer-related professions are projected to grow faster than any other careers between 2006 and 2016 ( Dohm & Shniper, 2007). These trends are relevant for older adults because workers are remaining in the workforce longer, either delaying retirement, starting a second career, or working on a volunteer basis. U.S. Department of Labor statistics (2008) demonstrate that older adults' participation in the workforce is increasing dramatically. Employment of workers 65 and over increased 101% between the years of 1977 and 2007, and are projected to increase by more than 80% from 2006 to 2016 (U.S. Dept. of Labor). Extending work life can ensure a financially secure retirement and may have a benefit for health and well being ( Calvo, 2006). To remain active, competitive, and useful in the workforce, older adults must use and learn to use technology.

Technology also has the potential to assist in monitoring and maintaining health as well as managing health conditions and diseases. Older adults may particularly benefit from using health technologies given that the likelihood of having a disability or health condition increases with age. In fact, 34% percent of adults aged 65 and over report having a health condition or disability, and 37% of adults over 75 report having three or more chronic conditions ( CDC, 2006). Survey data suggest that older adults are aware that health technologies can support their preference for remaining independent and living in their own homes ( AARP, 2008). Three-fourths of the AARP survey respondents reported a willingness to use telemedicine as a means for healthcare professionals to diagnose or monitor health conditions remotely. Furthermore, technology has the potential to reduce medication and illness mismanagement, which could significantly impact society as a whole. Costs due to medication mismanagement alone for people 65 and older in the U.S. were estimated to be $887 million in 2005 ( Field, Gilman, Subramanian, Fuller, Bates, & Gurwitz, 2005). Technological interventions that defray these costs could dramatically lessen the burden on the healthcare system.

Although older adults report a willingness to adopt technology, usage data suggest that older adults are part of the "digital divide," ( NTIA, 2004) a distinction made between those who do and those who do not adopt technology. Most literature on older adults' technology use stems from large-scale surveys. For example, U.S. Census (2003) statistics reveal that 25% of adults over 65 report using a personal computer whereas 56% of those 55-64 years of age and 68% of those 25-54 years of age reported such use. More recent surveys in the U.S. show that in 2009 computer and Internet use among those aged 65+ has increased to about 40%, though very old cohorts are still unlikely to go online. Only about 25% of those 75-84 years of age and about 5% of those 85+ are computer or Internet users ( Charness, Fox, & Mitchum, in press, 2010). These findings suggest that only a subset of the older adult population uses technology. However, most surveys have focused on a limited number of technologies, namely the computer and Internet, which are specific, more recent and advanced technologies.

Technology as a concept can be generally defined as any electronic or digital product or service. To be able to predict technology usage in general it is important to understand the factors influencing older adults' acceptance and adoption of technology. Models of technology acceptance (e.g., Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Davis, 1989) illustrate the multidimensional and complex set of factors that influence technology adoption and the strong impact of certain beliefs and attitudes (i.e., perceived ease of use and usefulness) have on that relationship.

In a sample of 1,204 participants Czaja et al. (2006a) investigated factors that predicted technology use and found that older adults were less likely than younger adults to use computers, the Internet, and other technology items (e.g., cellular phone, automated teller machine, microwave oven). The following factors predicted general technology use: age, education, race, fluid and crystallized intelligence, computer self-efficacy, and computer anxiety. Greater technology use was associated with younger ages and those who were better educated, and White/European Americans and Hispanic/Latino Americans used more types of technology than Black/African Americans. Higher fluid and crystallized intelligence, higher computer self-efficacy, and lower computer anxiety were also associated with greater technology use. Moreover, the relationship between age and technology use was mediated by cognitive abilities, computer self-efficacy, and computer anxiety.

Large-scale surveys, such as Czaja et al. (2006a), are useful in identifying general patterns of older adults' technology use and informing models of technology acceptance about higher order factors. Other studies have revealed important information about older adults' usage and acceptance of specific technologies and perceptions about specific factors in models of technology acceptance. Many of these studies explored acceptance of assistive technologies (e.g., McGreadie & Tinker, 2005; Tinker & Lansley, 2005), including smart home technologies ( Demiris, Oliver, Dickey, Skubic, & Rantz, 2008), and some focused on specific technologies such as video Uniform Commercial Codes (UCC) services ( Ryu, Kim, & Lee, 2009), automatic teller machines (ATMs; Smither & Braun, 2001), E-commerce websites ( Smith, 2008), E-government services ( Phang, Sutanto, Kankanhalli, Li, Tan, & Teo, 2006), online shopping ( Li & Huang, 2009) and personal digital assistants (PDAs; Arning & Ziefle, 2007). However, less is known about the reasons that influence older adults' attitudes about the wide range of technologies available to them in their everyday lives. A thorough understanding of such attitudes can also contribute to the specification of models of technology acceptance which can increase their predictive ability.

The goal of this study was to explore the details of older adults' attitudes about technology broadly to better understand trends that may be generalizable across different contexts, types of technology, and diverse groups of older adults. In this study we examined 1) the range of technologies older adults use in their homes, for work, and for healthcare, 2) their attitudes about those technologies, and 3) the degree to which the range of technology use and attitudes toward technology vary as a function of domain. We employed a focus group methodology because this approach affords a relatively open and exploratory method for collecting qualitative data on technology use, providing insight into the details of actual usage, as well as perceived advantages and disadvantages of technology in different domains ( Krueger, 1994). Although this study is not designed to directly test models of technology acceptance (e.g., TAM), our results can contribute to their specification by providing information about the reasons that drive the factors of these models.

Method

Participants

A total of 113 community-dwelling older adults participated in 18 focus groups, ranging in size from 4 to 9 participants in each group ( M = 6; SD = 1.65). The focus groups were conducted at local senior centers and university conference rooms at three sites: Georgia Institute of Technology, Florida State University, and University of Miami. Male (42% of participants) and female participants ranged in age from 65 to 85 years ( M = 73; SD = 5.50). All participants reported English as their primary language.

Race/ethnicity varied between sites ensuring a diverse sample: 33% African American seniors from Atlanta, GA, 30% Caucasian seniors from Tallahassee, FL, and 37% Hispanic seniors from Miami, FL. For each testing location, education level varied between focus groups. Participants in the low education groups had less than a college degree (46% of participants), whereas those in the high education groups had obtained a college degree or higher (54% of participants).

Most participants reported living in a house, apartment, or condominium (76%) or independent senior housing (19%); the remaining 5% reported living with relatives, in low-income housing, or in assisted living. As expected for this age range, the majority of participants were retired (74%); the remaining participants reported occupational status as part-time (9%), full-time (4%), homemaker (4%), or volunteer (3%); the remaining 6% did not specify. Most participants (82%) rated their general health to be good or excellent (1 = Poor and 5 = Excellent), M = 3.26, SD = .92. In sum, participants varied with respect to education level and race/ethnicity, however most reported living independently and being generally healthy.

Materials

General materials

Standard CREATE materials ( Czaja et al., 2006a) were used for assessing study eligibility and for collecting demographic, health, and technology experience information. These materials included a telephone prescreening interview, Background Questionnaire, and Technology Experience Questionnaire (available in Czaja et al., 2006b).

Focus group script

The script was designed to facilitate discussion about the range of older adults' technology use and their attitudes about technology in the domains of home, work, and health (full script is available from the first author). The script was pilot tested with two groups of older adults (n= 10) to ensure that the discussion questions were clear and prompted discussion relevant to the issues of immediate interest. Technology was defined as "electronic or digital products and services."

We first asked, "What technologies do you use [in the context of home, work, or health]?" which was followed by discussion prompts tailored to each domain. For the home domain, participants were given a strategy of doing a mental walk through their homes to think about the technologies in each room and were instructed to think about occasions when they used technology items. For the work domain, participants were instructed to consider "work" in a broad sense, including volunteer work and past work experiences. Participants were asked to think about technologies they use for performing their jobs, communicating with other people while at work, or learning new job skills or training. For the health domain, participants were asked to think about technology broadly and not be limited to technologically advanced items. Participants were instructed to think about occasions when they used technology for healthcare, such as using medical devices, communicating with healthcare professionals, or gathering information about diseases.

The second discussion question, "For those of you who have used [each technology item], what do you like and dislike about using this technology [in the context of each domain]?" was designed to encourage participants to discuss their attitudes about technologies. These questions were followed by a discussion of training, which is not the focus of the present paper (see Mitzner et al., 2008).

Procedure

Prior to participation, participants completed the telephone prescreening interview. When eligible participants reported to the focus group site, they first provided informed consent. Next, the moderator summarized the general goals of the study and outlined rules for the discussion (e.g., to speak one at a time and contribute their own unique ideas and experiences). Each group discussed technology use in the context of two of the three domains (domain order was counterbalanced). Following an icebreaker question during which participants provided their first name and favorite hobby, the moderator introduced the first domain of discussion. After completing discussion of the first domain, participants were given a five minute break and then asked to complete the Background Questionnaire. Next, the moderator introduced the second domain for discussion. When discussion was completed, participants were given another five minute break and then asked to complete the Technology Experience Questionnaire. Participants were debriefed and paid $25 for participation. Discussions were audio recorded for later transcription.

Results

Overview of Coding and Analyses for Focus Group Discussion Data

The audio recordings were professionally transcribed verbatim with personal information omitted. Transcripts were segmented into units of analysis by four independent coders. A segment was defined as a unique idea in a single, uninterrupted speaker turn, related to an attitude toward technology (i.e., an association between technology and a valenced evaluation) with which the speaker has had personal experience. The segmenting process was calibrated by conducting an initial round of independent segmenting of one randomly selected transcript followed by discussion of discrepancies between coders. A second round of independent segmenting on a different transcript yielded reliability estimates ranging from r = .79 - .87. The remaining transcripts were divided among the four coders to segment independently.

The coding scheme was developed by reviewing a random sample of the transcripts from each domain and extracting common themes, as well as incorporating the experiences older adults reported having with technology ( Czaja et al., 2006a). Every attitude segment was coded on each of three dimensions: the technology item that was discussed, the attitude valence (i.e., like, dislike, or unclear), and the attitude reason (see Table 1 for the attitude coding scheme). Coders were calibrated by conducting three rounds of independent coding on the same three randomly selected transcripts followed by discussion of discrepancies and revisions to the coding definitions. The final round of reliability yielded estimates ranging from r = .79 - .92. The remaining transcripts were divided among the four coders to code independently.

Table 1

Category

Definition

Subcategories

Convenience/Inconvenience

Makes life easier or harder in some way.

Effort
Financial
Home-based
Interruptions
Miscellaneous convenience
Physical
Time
Unspecified convenience

Features

Qualities of the technology itself.

Access, storage, and retrieval
Adjustability and versatility
Appearance
Content quality
Durability
Input devices
Miscellaneous features
Number and programming options
Portability and size
Quality
Specific features
Speed

Security

Increases or decreases feelings of security.

Unspecified security
Privacy
Safety
Trust
Viruses, etc.
Miscellaneous security

Activity (Support for or lack of support)

Support for or lack of support for an activity.

Administrative tasks
Communication
Cooking
Emergencies
Leisure, hobby, and entertainment
Health monitoring and maintenance
Research and education
Financial
Shopping
Transportation
Miscellaneous activities

Chi-square tests of homogeneity were conducted to determine if there were significant differences between category frequencies (frequencies less than one were excluded from all analyses). Analyses of residuals were conducted to confirm which categories accounted for the significant effects (i.e., a residual greater than 2.00 indicates the factor was a major influence for the significant chi-square test statistic). Education differences were minimal at the attitude category level; therefore we collapsed across education for the remaining analyses.

Range of Technologies Reported

Responses to the question, "What technologies do you use [in the context of each domain]?" ranged from 3 to 32 items per focus group (see Table 2 ). Significantly more technologies were reported in the context of the home ( M = 19 per group) compared to work ( M = 13 per group). A greater number of technologies were reported in the context of work compared to health ( M = 7 per group). These data suggest that older adults are willing to use various types of technology in different facets of their lives, particularly in their homes.

Table 2

Domain

Education level

Range

M

Median

SD

Home

Work

Health

Attitudes about Technologies

A primary goal of this study was to gain a better understanding of older adults' attitudes related to using different technologies. The following analyses include responses to the question: "What do you like and dislike about using [each technology in the context of each domain]?"

Number of attitudes

A total of 2360 segments were coded as attitudes. The number of attitude segments varied by domain: home (n = 1119), work (n = 785), and health (n = 560). That is, more attitudes were produced when discussing technology use in the home as compared to work, and more attitudes were elicited when discussing technology use for work compared to health. Older adults may have more attitudes about technologies used in their homes compared to work and health because they use a wider variety of technologies in the home and spend most of their time there.

Attitude segments were coded for the technology item to which they were referring. Technology items associated with 5% or more of the total attitude segments within a domain are listed in Table 3 . These technologies represent those most commonly mentioned, serving as the basis for the discussions and, therefore, provide the specific context for the following data.

Relative proportion of likes and dislikes

Of particular interest was the relative proportion of like and dislike attitudes. Excluded from further analyses were attitude segments coded as unclear (4%), such as "I can't think of any [likes or dislikes]."and "I don't know whether it's a like or dislike." Counter to the stereotype that older adults hold negative opinions about technology, participants expressed significantly more likes than dislikes when discussing technologies used in the home (60% vs. 36% of the total segments, χ ²(1) = 69.07, p < .01), for work (59% vs. 37%, χ ²(1) = 40.88, p < .01) and for health (60% vs. 35%, χ ²(1) = 37.79, p < .01). Note that due to the phrasing of the question it is possible that participants were primed to produce more likes because the word "like" preceded the word "dislike." Nonetheless, the majority of older adults' attitudes were positive, suggesting that they perceived the benefits of using technology to outweigh the costs, regardless of domain. This finding is consistent with the results of Melenhorst, Rogers, and Bouwhuis (2006), which showed that perception of benefit was more indicative of acceptance than perception of cost.

Reasons Associated with Attitudes

We were also interested in the reasons provided for having positive or negative attitudes about technology. Some responses only contained an attitude without an additional reason (e.g., "I like using the computer"). This was true for 8% of the like segments for the home domain, 4% for work, and 6% for health. These segments were excluded from the following analyses.

Why people liked technology

With respect to the reasons mentioned for having positive attitudes about technology, the specific category frequencies differed within each of the three domains (see Fig. 1 ). However, across all domains older adults consistently focused on support for activities, convenience, and features as the top three reasons for why they like technology. Segments in these three categories were also coded on a subcategory level (see Tables 4 - 6 for percentages and example quotes).

Like: Support for activities

In the work domain, the most frequently reported activities for which participants reported liking to use technology were communication (e.g., conference calls, exchanging documentation), administrative tasks (e.g., copying, executing mass mailings), and research (e.g., finding information on the Internet, profession-specific research tasks), accounting for 79% of the data.

In the health domain, research (e.g., finding information about physicians, health conditions, and medications) and health monitoring and maintenance (e.g., checking blood pressure and monitoring weight) were the most frequently reported activities for which participants reported liking to use technology, accounting for 73% of the data.

These data show clearly that older adults perceived technology that can support their research activities to be a significant benefit, regardless of domain. In addition, older adults perceived technological support for administrative tasks and communication as important advantages in the home and at work. These data reveal that the activities for which participants liked to use technology were more varied in the home than at work or for health, which may reflect that the home is a broader domain encompassing a wider range of activities.

Like: Convenience

In the work domain, effort and time (70% of convenience data) were the most frequently mentioned convenience-related reasons for liking a technology. Older adults expressed positive attitudes about using technology to reduce effort in their work tasks, which varied greatly (e.g., using a computer instead of writing by hand and using electric instead of manual hair clippers), as well as to increase work performance by reducing the time it takes to perform tasks (e.g., scanning barcodes rather than typing item numbers).

In the context of health, the effort and home-based categories (63% of convenience data) accounted for the significant effect. Participants expressed positive statements about technology reducing their own effort for performing health-related tasks, such as using automatic medication refill telephone systems rather than going to the pharmacy. Participants also liked that technology afforded them the ability to perform health-related tasks at home, such as checking their blood pressure.

These convenience data demonstrate that older adults appreciated that technology can make their lives easier in general, as well as make specific tasks less effortful in their homes. Older adults also perceived the importance of being an efficient worker and understood that technology can facilitate efficiency. In sum, across all domains, the reduction of physical or mental effort was a major contributing factor to older adults' positive perceptions about the convenience introduced by technology.

Like: Features

In the context of work, specific features, speed, and access, storage and retrieval made the greatest contribution to the significant effect (72% of feature data). As seen in the home domain, participants reported liking specific features such as speakerphone and spell check. Again, older adults expressed positive attitudes about technologies performing operations quickly, such as faxing rather than mailing documents. Participants also spoke positively of the ability to access, store, and retrieve information, such as the computer's ability to perform these actions rather than having to rely on hard copies.

For the health domain, specific features, and portability and size were significant contributors to the effect (39% of feature data). Specific features included date and time on medical devices and the ability to get a print out from a device. Portability and size characteristics were viewed positively as well, such as the design of hearing aids to fit inside the ear and the size and portability of blood glucose meters.

The data about technology features reflect that older adults perceived the benefits of technology to include performing specific and quick actions, as well as offering many options. The perceived benefits of technology were similar for home and work domains (i.e., specific features and speed), although accessing, storing and retrieving information was an additional benefit for work. Participants spoke most frequently about their positive attitudes toward specific features of multi-function health technologies, and the characteristic of health technologies being small and portable. The feature data demonstrate that the older adult participants had preferences for the design of technology items, which is of particular importance for technology designers.

Why people disliked technology

We were also interested in the reasons for which older adults reported disliking technology, as these details could provide insight into technology acceptance (i.e., the reasons for which a person might not adopt technology). The category frequencies varied within all domains (see Fig. 2 ). In comparison to the top three likes (support for activities, convenience, and features), when a reason was provided for disliking a technology, it was most frequently related to inconvenience brought on by using the technology and features of the technology, regardless of the domain being discussed. Security and reliability issues were also frequently mentioned as dislikes: Security emerged in the home and work domains, whereas reliability arose in all domains. Subcategories for inconvenience, features, and security provide more details about older adults' reasons for disliking technologies (see Tables 7 - 9 for percentages and example quotes); the reliability category did not have subcategories.

Dislike: Inconvenience

In the work domain, the most frequently reported dislikes related to inconvenience were interruptions and effort (58% of inconvenience data). Just as in the home, participants discussed disliking interruptions (e.g., cell phones ringing at inappropriate times) and the effort required for using certain work technologies. In the health domain, the most frequently reported inconveniences fell into the physical and effort categories (57% of inconvenience data). Participants reported disliking the physical inconveniences of using certain technologies, such as having to prick a finger to use a blood glucose meter. Effort inconveniences included physical and mental effort required to use certain medical devices or other health-related technologies.

The inconvenience data suggest that older adults perceived interruptions, financial expenses, and effort to be costs of using technology in their homes. Workplace technologies were disliked for some of the same reasons (i.e., interruptions and effort). Physical inconvenience was a complaint specific to healthcare technologies, which may be due to the fact that many measures of physical health status rely on some sort of physical intrusion or discomfort.

Dislike: Features

Participants expressed negative attitudes about many features of technology. There were significant differences between the subcategories of features for home, χ ²(10) = 56.70, p < .01, and for work, χ ²(9) = 29.08, p < .01. There was not a significant difference between the subcategories for health, p = .17. In the home domain, number of features, content quality, and quality of output accounted for 63% of the feature data. Participants reported disliking when technology items had too many or too few features or programming options, poor content or programming quality (e.g., too much violence on television), and poor output quality, such as the quality of sound or the picture of a visual display (e.g., on a cellular phone).

In the work domain, number (31% of feature data) accounted for the significant effect. In particular, older adults disliked work technologies with too many or too few features or programming options (e.g., telephones and fax machines). These data demonstrate that just as participants liked technologies that made them more efficient workers, they disliked technologies that reduced their efficiency.

The feature-related data demonstrate that the older adult participants had specific ideas about features they view as costs in using technology. Moreover, features of technology constituted the majority of the older adults' dislikes. In the home and work domains, participants focused on the number of features as a common dislike. In the home domain content quality and output quality was also a frequent dislike. The relative frequencies of the remaining categories varied by domain suggesting that attitudes about features are relatively context dependent; hence, customization or adjustability of features may be preferable in cases where it is possible.

Dislike: Security and reliability

In the home and work domains security issues were frequently mentioned when discussing dislikes of technology; especially with respect to safety which was reported significantly more than other security subcategories: home, χ ²(3) = 60.46, p < .01, and work, χ ²(5) = 32.84, p < .01. Safety concerns (71% of security data for the home domain and 49% for work) encompassed worries of physical danger, including health risks. These safety fears, whether were real or misconceptions, contributed to older adults' negative views about home and work technologies.

Reliability (i.e., whether the technology functions accurately) was mentioned frequently in all domains. Participants reported disliking the lack of reliability with some technology items such as "once the network is down, nobody can do anything [on the computer]," "some of the bar-coded items, my scanner will not pick up," and "my [blood pressure monitor] doesn't work well. I don't get accurate readings." Not surprisingly, older adults had negative views about technology performing inaccurately and undependably, and these negative attitudes can impact future usage.

Discussion

A thorough understanding of older adults' usage and perceptions of technology is essential for maximizing the potential that technology has to offer for facilitating independence in everyday life. The goal of this study was to explore in-depth a large and diverse sample of older adults and their attitudes about a wide range of technologies they use in a wide variety of contexts (i.e., their homes, for work, and for health). The findings from this study supplement past research that was limited with respect to the details about technology usage or the generalizability to different types of technologies, contexts, or users. The results elucidate some of the reasons behind older adults' attitudes toward technology, provide insight into how people define the constructs in technology acceptance models, and can enable designers to better meet older adults' needs and preferences.

Stereotypes suggest that older adults are unable, unwilling, or afraid to use technology. Indeed, consistent with these stereotypes, several large scale usage studies have found that older adults do not use certain technologies to the extent that younger adults do ( Adler, 2006; Pew, 2000). The older adults we interviewed used a wide variety of technologies, ranging from microwaves to cell phones to computers. Participants reported using the greatest number of technology items in their homes, a finding perhaps reflecting that our sample comprised mostly retired and healthy older adults. Older adults who have health problems would be expected to have more experience using health technologies and those who are still employed would be expected to have more experience with work-related technologies.

By focusing on a broader range of technologies than that of large-scale surveys (e.g., Pew, 2000) and by employing qualitative methods, we were able to provide a more detailed depiction of older adults' attitudes about technology in general. Participants clearly perceived many benefits of using technology, regardless of domain, and they viewed those benefits as outweighing the costs, judging by the number of comments they made about the positive aspects of technologies. Benefits discussed related to technology supporting activities (i.e., communication, research, and health monitoring and maintenance), adding convenience (i.e., when technology reduces effort), and having useful features (i.e., specific features of technology). Although the benefits discussed were greater in number, costs or dislikes of using technology were discussed as well. The dislikes were more varied than the likes and included technology causing inconvenience, features of technology, security issues, and reliability of technology. These data are consistent with the findings of Melenhorst et al., (2006) in that older users' motivation for using email technology was driven by perception of benefit more so than perception of costs associated with usage.

Overall, our results paint a positive picture of older adults' perceptions of the technology items they use. Together with the Czaja et al. (2006a) data, these findings suggest that older adults' relationship with technology is much more complex than would be suggested by the stereotype of older adults simply being afraid and unwilling to use technology. Czaja et al. found two personal barriers to technology adoption: low self-efficacy regarding computer use and high anxiety for computer use. The present study showed that for technologies that are adopted, older adults perceived a positive outcome of such use. Hence, to increase older adults' technology use two approaches can be taken: 1) improve education about benefits for technologies that have not yet been adopted and 2) address computer self-efficacy and computer anxiety.

Models of technology acceptance suggest that a large number of variables may impact technology acceptance including characteristics of the technology (e.g., perceived complexity, level of innovation) and characteristics of the user (e.g., experience and personal traits) ( Caine et al., 2006). Characteristics of technology can be further categorized as usage characteristics and outcome-of-usage characteristics. Usage characteristics relate to the actual usage of the technology, such as perceived ease of use ( Davis, 1989) and perceived compatibility ( Rogers, 2003). Outcome-of-usage characteristics relate to the benefits of using the technology, such as usefulness ( Davis, 1986) and fun and enjoyment ( Davis, Bagozzi, & Warshaw, 1992). The present data highlight some of the attitudes that drive the ease of use (being analogous to reducing or not requiring effort) and usefulness (in terms of supporting activities) factors.

The results of this study also provide convergent evidence that ease of use and usefulness are significant variables in predicting technology acceptance as they were salient characteristics of technology associated with positive attitudes. It is important to note that benefits need not only exist but must also be clear to the potential user for technology acceptance to increase. Enhanced training and education may be necessary to inform older users about the outcome-of-usage benefits from using technology.

Technology developers can benefit from our findings by gaining a better understanding of older adults' needs and preferences with respect to the design of future technologies, particularly because our results are relevant to a wide range of technologies used in different contexts. Current usage patterns and attitudes can provide insight about characteristics that could make a technology more likely to be perceived positively and therefore more likely to be adopted. For instance, effective design strategies might focus on ways to maximize convenience benefits, provide potential support for activities, and enhance features that are viewed positively. Likewise, some dislikes can be eliminated or reduced at least to the point that the benefits of using the technology far outweigh the costs. User testing with the older adult population is critical for directing design solutions ( Fisk, Rogers, Charness, Czaja, & Sharit, 2009).

The present findings raise questions for future research. For instance, do older adults' technology preferences align with performance outcomes? Would education and training about the benefits of new technology items (i.e., support for activities, convenience, features) increase technology use? Past research does suggest that training and education may increase technology adoption ( Rogers, Cabrera, Walker, Gilbert, & Fisk, 1996). Another important area for future research is that of the perception and use of heath information obtained from the Internet. In the present study most of the references about conducting health-related research were made in the context of discussing the computer and Internet (see also Taha, Czaja, & Sharit, 2009). Although health information is readily accessible on the Internet, it is not necessarily accurate or from a reliable source. Hence, we need to better understand the trust and reliance issues related to health information obtained via the Internet.

In sum, technology acceptance and adoption has implications for older adults and for society as a whole. Technology use can maximize independence for older adults, which can increase the perception of quality of life ( Mynatt & Rogers, 2002). By fostering older adults' independence, technology has the potential to provide assistance with activities of daily living and medical care while also lessening the caretaking burden of family and professional caregivers. Older adults could also experience a financial benefit by reducing their dependence on professional caregivers. Therefore, as the aging population grows and technologies continue to develop it is imperative that we understand how to design technologies that support the needs and preferences of older adults.

​

Table 5

Domain

Subcategories

Percentage of convenience segments

Χ² Residual

Example quotes

Home

Effort

32%

8.39
"It's so convenient when you can turn [the television] on [and you] don't have to get up."
"We don't have to wash so many dishes."
"You're not having to go out and move sprinklers."

Unspecified convenience

18%

2.22

"I like [the technology] because it's convenient."
"[I like the technology because] it's handy."

Work

Effort

46%

11.01
"[Using the computer] is an easier way to write because you can change it."
"Oh your fingers would be so tired [before] but now [with the electric clippers there is] nothing to it."
"it['s] easier for me to place orders [using a computer]."
"What I liked about it, it eliminated a lot of hard work. This machine just goes right into the coal. And it eliminated the pick and shovel."

Time

24%

2.41
"[The barcode scanner is] quicker than if I have to stand there and type in the title of the item or the number that's on the back."

Health

Effort

40%

6.98
"You just put it on your wrist and push the button."
"I had everything programmed on my cell phone so I don't have to remember phone numbers."
"I find [the telephone automatic refill system] very easy."

Home based

23%

1.94
"[Using my own blood pressure monitor] is a lot better than running by the doctor's office once a day."
"Well, [I like using a blood glucose meter] because I don't have to go in and have it done."
"[I like having a treadmill because] you can exercise in your home."

Table 8

Domain

Subcategories

Percentage of features segments

Χ Residual

Example quotes

Home

Number/Programming Options

21%

4.18
"There is just so much stuff... it's too many gadgets."
"[There are] too many options [on the automated telephone menu]."
"There are too many choices [on digital cameras]."
"I dislike [cellular phones] because they have a lot of capabilities."
"The others you got to spend 15-20 minutes trying to do that and then if you wanted to compare than you got to go back and do-you got a lot of trouble trying to find what is available to you."

Content Quality

21%

4.18
"I dislike the [television] programs we get."
"Too many sports [programs on the television]."

Quality of output

21%

4.18
"What I dislike about [the microwave is that] if I leave [the food] in there too long it's like rubber."
"I can't get good reception to play the stereo in the bedroom."
"[The scanner] doesn't make a good, sharp, crisp copy."
"[Lawnmowers are] noisy."

Work

Number/Programming Options

31%

5.61
"[The calculator] doesn't show enough information."
"[Computers use] too much paper."
"You are limited [in what you can do with a computer]."
"Sometimes you're calling and the [automated] menu does not have what you're looking for."

Acknowledgments

This research was supported in part by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (National Institute on Aging) P01 AG17211 under the auspices of the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE; www.create-center.org). Portions of these data were presented at the 114 th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association (2006, New Orleans, LA), the Gerontological Society of America 60 th Annual Meeting (2007, San Francisco, CA), the 115 th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association (2007, San Francisco, CA), and the Cognitive Aging Conference (2008, Atlanta, GA). The authors would like to thank Trinidad Arguëlles, Chin Chin Lee, and Jamie Weitz, for their assistance with data collection.

Footnotes

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References

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Czaja SJ, Charness N, Dijkstra K, Fisk AD, Rogers WA, Sharit J. CREATE common core battery of measures: Technical Report No. CREATE-2006-01. Atlanta, GA: Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE); 2006b. [[PMC free article] [PubMed] Google Scholar]

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Older Adults Talk Technology: Technology Usage and Attitudes

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Older adults (n = 113) participated in focus groups discussing their use of and attitudes about technology in the context of their home, work, and healthcare. Participants reported using a wide variety of technology items, particularly in their homes. ...

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Stats: The survey found that 96% of those ages 18 to 29 own a smartphone compared with 61% of those 65 and older, a 35 percentage point difference. However, that gap has decreased from 53 points in 2012. The survey also showed that 95% of those ages 30 to 49 reported owning a smartphone in 2021 and 83% of those 50 to 64 said the same.

There are notable differences between age groups when measuring the frequency of internet use. Some 48% of those ages 18 to 29 said they were online “almost constantly,” compared with 22% of those 50 to 64 and 8% of those 65 and older.

Facts: The older generation is more likely to own a computer than the younger generation. But on several fronts, adoption of key technologies by those in the oldest age group has grown markedly since about a decade ago, and the gap between the oldest and youngest adults has narrowed, according to new analysis of a Center survey conducted in 2021.

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Younger adults are often more likely than their elders to be earlier adopters of innovations, and that has been true for many digital technologies since Pew Research Center began documenting their use. There are still notable differences in tech use between U.S. adults under 30 and those 65 and older. But on several fronts, adoption of key technologies by those in the oldest age group has grown markedly since about a decade ago, and the gap between the oldest and youngest adults has narrowed, according to new analysis of a Center survey conducted in 2021.

The survey found that 96% of those ages 18 to 29 own a smartphone compared with 61% of those 65 and older, a 35 percentage point difference. However, that gap has decreased from 53 points in 2012. The survey also showed that 95% of those ages 30 to 49 reported owning a smartphone in 2021 and 83% of those 50 to 64 said the same.

Pew Research Center has a history of studying digital technology adoption. For the new material in this report, the Center surveyed 1,502 U.S. adults from Jan. 25 to Feb. 8, 2021, by cellphone and landline phone. The survey was conducted by interviewers under the direction of Abt Associates and is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, education and other categories. Here are the questions used for this report, along with responses, and its methodology.

Similarly, those 65 and older also were the least likely to say they use social media sites like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram in the most recent survey. Some 45% reported using social media, compared with 84% of those ages 18 to 29 and 81% of those 30 to 49. At the same time, presence on social media among Americans 65 and older grew about fourfold since 2010, while use by the youngest adults remained relatively constant in that time frame. Since 2010, the gap between adults under 30 and adults 65 and older shrank from 71 points to 39 points.

Ownership of tablet computers is a somewhat different situation. Those ages 30 to 49 were the most likely people to own one in 2021. Roughly six-in-ten (61%) said they currently owned a tablet. That compares with 53% of those ages 50 to 64 who have a tablet, 46% of those 18 to 29 and 44% of those 65 and older.

When it comes to internet use, virtually all adults ages 18 to 29 now say they use the internet (99%). A similar share of those 30 to 49 (98%) say the same. And 96% of those 50 to 64 use the internet, compared with 75% of those 65 and older who report being internet users. In 2000, the gap between the oldest and youngest groups of adults in internet use was 56 percentage points; it now is 24 points. There are also gaps between older adults and some of their younger counterparts when it comes to home broadband: 64% of those ages 65 and older have such connections now, compared with 86% of those 30 to 49 and 79% of those 50 to 64. (The share of adults under 30 who have home broadband - 70% - is statistically similar to that for adults 65 and older.)

There are notable differences between age groups when measuring the frequency of internet use. Some 48% of those ages 18 to 29 said they were online "almost constantly," compared with 22% of those 50 to 64 and 8% of those 65 and older.

Among sites and apps specifically asked about in the survey, YouTube tops the list in the share of adults using it, and the platform has gained traction among older adults. From 2019 to 2021, the share of Americans ages 50 to 64 who said they ever used YouTube increased from 70% to 83%. Among those 65 and older, YouTube use increased from 38% to 49% - gains of 13 and 11 points respectively. By contrast, the share of those using YouTube has remained fairly stable within younger age groups during the same period, with vast majorities saying they use the platform.
Note: Here are the questions used for this report, along with responses, and its methodology.

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Share of those 65 and older who are tech users has grown in the past decade

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Younger adults are often more likely than their elders to be earlier adopters of innovations, and that has been true for many digital technologies since Pew Research Center began documenting their use. There are still notable differences in tech use between U.S. adults under 30 and those 65 and older.

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there remains a notable digital divide between younger and older Americans. And many seniors who are older, less affluent, or with lower levels of educational attainment continue to have a distant relationship with digital technology. Adoption rates among seniors continue to trail those of the overall population, the share of adults ages 65 and up who own smartphones has risen 24 percentage points (from 18% to 42%) since 2013.

Smartphone ownership among seniors varies substantially by age: 59% of 65- to 69-year-olds own smartphones, but that share falls to 49% among 70- to 74-year-olds. Smartphone adoption drops off considerably among adults in their mid-70s and beyond. Some 31% of 75- to 79-year-olds say they own smartphones, while only 17% of those ages 80 and older are smartphone owners.

Income: Fully 81% of older Americans whose annual household income is $75,000 or more say they own smartphones, compared with 27% of those living in households earning less than $30,000 a year. Additionally, around two-thirds of seniors with bachelor’s or advanced degrees report owning smartphones (65%), compared with 45% of those who have some college experience and 27% of those who have high school diplomas or less.

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Although seniors consistently have lower rates of technology adoption than the general public, this group is more digitally connected than ever. In fact, some groups of seniors - such as those who are younger, more affluent and more highly educated - report owning and using various technologies at rates similar to adults under the age of 65.

Still, there remains a notable digital divide between younger and older Americans. And many seniors who are older, less affluent or with lower levels of educational attainment continue to have a distant relationship with digital technology.

Four-in-ten seniors now own smartphones, more than double the share that did so in 2013

With smartphone ownership in the U.S. more than doubling in the past five years, Americans are embracing mobile technology at a rapid pace. And while adoption rates among seniors continue to trail those of the overall population, the share of adults ages 65 and up who own smartphones has risen 24 percentage points (from 18% to 42%) since 2013. Today, roughly half of older adults who own cellphones have some type of smartphone; in 2013, that share was just 23%.

Smartphone ownership among seniors varies substantially by age: 59% of 65- to 69-year-olds own smartphones, but that share falls to 49% among 70- to 74-year-olds. Smartphone adoption drops off considerably among adults in their mid-70s and beyond. Some 31% of 75- to 79-year-olds say they own smartphones, while only 17% of those ages 80 and older are smartphone owners.

Smartphone ownership is also highly correlated with household income and educational attainment. Fully 81% of older Americans whose annual household income is $75,000 or more say they own smartphones, compared with 27% of those living in households earning less than $30,000 a year. Additionally, around two-thirds of seniors with bachelor's or advanced degrees report owning smartphones (65%), compared with 45% of those who have some college experience and 27% of those who have high school diplomas or less.

Seniors in these high-adoption groups have seen the largest growth in smartphone ownership in recent years. Since 2013, smartphone adoption among older adults who live in households earning $75,000 or more a year has increased by 39 percentage points; those with at least bachelor's degrees, as well as those who are ages 65 to 69, have each seen a 30-point increase in smartphone adoption over that time.

Internet use and broadband adoption among seniors varies across demographic groups

As is true of the population as a whole, internet adoption among seniors has risen steadily over the last decade and a half. When the Center began tracking internet adoption in early 2000, just 14% of seniors were internet users. But today, 67% of adults ages 65 and older say they go online.

The share of seniors who subscribe to home broadband services has also risen - albeit at a slower rate than internet use. Around half of seniors (51%) now say they have high-speed internet at home. This represents a modest uptick from 2013, when 47% of older adults were broadband adopters.

As is true of the general public, internet and broadband adoption among older adults varies substantially across a number of demographic factors - most notably age, household income and educational attainment.

Younger seniors use the internet and subscribe to home broadband at rates that are comparable to the overall population. Fully 82% of 65- to 69-year-olds are internet users, and two-thirds say they have broadband internet connections at home. (Internet use and broadband adoption rates for the overall population are 90% and 73%, respectively).

On the other hand, fewer than half of seniors ages 80 and up (44%) report using the internet and just 28% say they have home broadband service. Adoption rates for seniors in their 70s fall in between these two groups.

Internet and broadband adoption rates also differ considerably by household income and educational attainment. Around nine-in-ten seniors whose annual household income is $75,000 or more say they go online (94%) or have high-speed internet at home (87%). Those shares drop to 46% and 27%, respectively, among older adults living in households earning less than $30,000 a year. College graduates are far more likely than those with high school educations or less to say they use the internet (92% vs. 49%) or have home broadband service (82% vs. 30%).

Tablet ownership grows among older Americans, while e-reader adoption stalls

Roughly one-third (32%) of seniors say they own tablet computers, while about one-in-five (19%) report owning e-readers. While this represents a double-digit increase in tablet ownership since 2013, the share of older Americans who own e-readers has stayed largely unchanged over that time period. (This mirrors adoption trends in the broader population as well).

Tablet ownership is especially common among seniors with more education and those living in higher-income households. Some 62% of older adults with annual household incomes of $75,000 or more say they own tablet computers, while 56% of college-degree earners say the same. Each represents a more than 20-point increase since 2013 (at that point, 39% of high-income seniors and 31% of college graduates in this age group owned tablets).

By comparison, fewer than one-in-five seniors in households earning less than $30,000 a year (16%) or who have high school diplomas or less (18%) own tablets. E-reader adoption follows a similar pattern, albeit from a lower baseline level of overall ownership.

Younger seniors are also more likely than their older counterparts to own tablets or e-readers, although these differences are especially pronounced in the case of tablets. Some 41% of 65- to 69-year-olds report having tablet computers, compared with 20% of those ages 80 and older. The age gap in e-reader ownership is narrower: 21% of 65-to 69-year-olds and 13% of those ages 80 and older are e-reader owners.

Social media use among older Americans steadily increases

Social media is increasingly becoming an important platform where people find news and information, share their experiences and connect with friends and family. And just as internet adoption and smartphone ownership has grown among seniors, so has social media use.

Today, 34% of Americans ages 65 and up say they ever use social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter. This represents a seven-point increase from 2013, when 27% of older adults reported using social media. Still, a majority of seniors do not use social media, and the share that do is considerably smaller than that of the general population.

As with other forms of digital technology, younger seniors are more likely than their older counterparts to use social media. More than four-in-ten (45%) seniors under the age of 75 say they ever use social networking sites, compared with 20% of those ages 75 and older. Social networking use is also relatively common among those who have at least some college experience and those whose annual household income is $50,000 or more.

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Although seniors consistently have lower rates of technology adoption than the general public, this group is more digitally connected than ever. In fact,

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It's not about seniors being able to use Tiktok it is about them being able to use technology in a way that will help them keep up with the rest of society.

With the boom in virtual health, a wave of innovation and new technology is making it possible for seniors to age at home. This explosion in consumer-focused digital health is fundamentally about turning healthcare delivery upside down – from the patient visiting the healthcare system periodically to a system where healthcare is in our back pocket 24/7 on our terms. American culture doesn't value its aging population as much as it could, giving rise to the negative stereotype that seniors are less capable, especially when it comes to technology. Yes, there is a generational gap, but that doesn't mean digital health companies should treat seniors as irrelevant. The pandemic has shone a light on the need for more digital health solutions aimed at seniors, and research demonstrates they're willing to adopt new technologies. Seniors deserve new digital health technologies just as much – if not more – than younger people.

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Seniors are certainly less tech savvy than younger generations who grew up with it. My parents are from the World War II generation, long before there was the personal computer, let alone the internet. Trying to help my aging mother with email is a challenge. But just because some may not know how to use TikTok, what a nonfungible token is or how to make the WiFi work doesn't mean they are technology averse.

Of course, it is harder for seniors to adapt to new technology. Even so, the majority of older people have a smartphone and frequently post on social media and video chat with their grandchildren.

Far too many digital health companies mistakenly assume that because some older people struggle with new technology at first, they are totally averse to it. The problem is that digital health companies more often than not fail to design products with seniors in mind.

With the boom in virtual health, a wave of innovation and new technology is making it possible for seniors to age at home. This explosion in consumer-focused digital health is fundamentally about turning healthcare delivery upside down - from the patient visiting the healthcare system periodically to a system where healthcare is in our back pocket 24/7 on our terms.

For seniors who are less physically mobile and may lack transportation and companionship, this idea is even more crucial. Technology can greatly benefit older people, making it convenient and safe to connect with healthcare professionals and follow virtual health plans from the comfort of their own homes. In fact, technology use among people aged 50 and up has skyrocketed during the pandemic, according to an AARP report. Over the last decade, according to Pew Research Center, older people have increasingly adopted technology like smartphones and tablets, and used social media. Businesswise, seniors make up a good portion of the population, and Medicare spending of nearly $830 billion in 2020 makes up 20% of total National Healthcare Expenditure.

The evolving definition of 'elderly'

The definition of "old" isn't what it used to be. The next generation of seniors will have spent much of their middle years using the internet, smartphones, tablets and various software applications, better positioning them to navigate the next iteration of high-tech gizmos and gadgets. Soon there will be no generation that isn't used to technology being intertwined with daily activities.

For better or worse, retirement isn't guaranteed as much as it once was, as more people continue to work after 65 - either because they have to, or they want to. According to a 2021 survey, nearly one in five seniors said they planned to work past the age of 70, and another 12% reported they would work full time for the rest of their lives. The image of a senior sitting in a rocking chair drinking lemonade all day is no longer accurate, if it ever was. For those working into their golden years, many will continue to use new and relevant technology regularly.

Seniors use technology that is helpful for them

Trying to get a grip on the latest technology can be overwhelming and frustrating for seniors. But to then jump to a conclusion that most old people have an aversion to technology is flat out wrong.

Two years into the pandemic, older people, like everyone else, have also had to get more comfortable with virtual health technologies. With fewer in-person healthcare options combined with the risk of COVID-19, older people who have chronic health conditions, mobility issues or other healthcare needs are increasingly willing to turn toward virtual health services and products so they don't have to leave the home. Aging at home is a trend that is expected to grow bigger in the years ahead, requiring digital health companies to target the aging population.

Digital health for seniors needs to be simple, frictionless

The need for digital health to improve the lives of seniors is there, and the willingness among seniors to use technology is growing. What's needed is for digital health companies to rise to meet the moment by designing frictionless services and products. That means tricky sensors are out. In fact, ditch the hardware altogether. Forget about asking a senior to fiddle with sensors that require Bluetooth or WiFi. The user interface has to be simple, simple, simple.

In addition to making digital health as easy as possible for older people to use, the products need to take a human-centered approach to care. COVID-19 isn't only a pandemic of illness; it has spurred a pandemic of isolation as well, particularly impacting older people. Digital health technology should not further fuel separation but rather inspire connectivity. With a click or a tap of the finger, a senior should be able to communicate with a health coach, start a video call with a medical professional or follow an exercise routine from their phone, tablet or desktop computer. Building relationships and trust are essential, as is having a virtual support team who can watch over seniors and intervene when needed.

Sadly, American culture doesn't value its aging population as much as it could, giving rise to the negative stereotype that seniors are less capable, especially when it comes to technology. Yes, there is a generational gap, but that doesn't mean digital health companies should treat seniors as irrelevant. The pandemic has shone a light on the need for more digital health solutions aimed at seniors, and research demonstrates they're willing to adopt new technologies. Seniors deserve new digital health technologies just as much - if not more - than younger people.

Mark Luck Olson is CEO of RecoveryOne, a digital health innovator dedicated to improving the cost and quality of recovery from musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries of all types. A 30-year healthcare veteran, Olson has worked closely with executive teams in the health services market to accelerate performance and top-line growth. He has built a reputation as a health tech strategist who can unleash an organization's potential. He has an MBA from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Business.

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Contributed: Seniors aren't tech averse. We're just not designing for their needs

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Digital health companies should focus on creating frictionless experiences that connect seniors to their care teams.

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Cousin

Has not gotten back to me yet.