2010 November 1; 26(6): 1710–1721. doi:10.1016/j.chb.2010.06.020. | Tracy L. Mitzner1, Julie B. Boron2, Cara Bailey Fausset1, Anne E. Adams1, Neil Charness3, Sara J. Czaja4, Katinka Dijkstra5, Arthur D. Fisk1, Wendy A. Rogers1, and Joseph Sharit6
This study explores the technology usage and attitudes of older adults (n = 113) in their homes, workplaces, and healthcare contexts. Participants reported using a wide range of technologies, particularly in their homes, and expressed more positive attitudes than negative ones. Positive attitudes were primarily related to how technology supported activities, enhanced convenience, and contained useful features. Negative attitudes were often associated with technology causing inconveniences, having unhelpful features, and raising security and reliability concerns. The findings contradict stereotypes that older adults are afraid or unwilling to use technology, highlighting the importance of perceived benefits and ease of use in models of technology acceptance. Emphasizing the benefits of technology in education and training programs may increase future technology adoption among older adults.This study explores the technology usage and attitudes of older adults (n = 113) in their homes, workplaces, and healthcare contexts. Participants reported using a wide range of technologies, particularly in their homes, and expressed more positive attitudes than negative ones. Positive attitudes were primarily related to how technology supported activities, enhanced convenience, and contained useful features. Negative attitudes were often associated with technology causing inconveniences, having unhelpful features, and raising security and reliability concerns. The findings contradict stereotypes that older adults are afraid or unwilling to use technology, highlighting the importance of perceived benefits and ease of use in models of technology acceptance. Emphasizing the benefits of technology in education and training programs may increase future technology adoption among older adults.