Computer acceptance of older adults.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Sociology of Technology

Background:

• Modern societies heavily rely on computers, yet older adults exhibit lower adoption and usage rates compared to younger demographics.
• Older women, specifically, demonstrate reduced computer engagement, necessitating research into underlying factors.
• Understanding technology adoption barriers and enablers for the aging population is crucial for digital inclusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors influencing computer adoption and usage intention among older adults.
• To apply the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology (UTAUT) model to the elderly demographic.
• To identify key determinants of computer use in individuals aged 50 and above.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology (UTAUT) framework.
• Conducted a study with 52 participants aged 50-90, including both computer users and non-users.
• Examined constructs: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influences, facilitating conditions, gender, age, experience, and voluntariness.

Main Results:

• Performance expectancy and facilitating conditions demonstrated the strongest positive correlations with computer use intention and actual usage.
• Effort expectancy did not show a significant correlation with older adults' intention to use computers.
• Gender, age, experience, and voluntariness were also considered within the UTAUT model.

Conclusions:

• Facilitating conditions and perceived usefulness (performance expectancy) are critical drivers for computer adoption among older adults.
• Effort expectancy is not a significant barrier for this demographic.
• Interventions aimed at increasing computer use in older populations should focus on enhancing perceived benefits and ensuring accessible technological support.