Technology support preferences for prospective memory among older adults with subjective cognitive complaints

Prospective memory (PM), the ability to remember to execute an intention in the future, is critical for performing everyday tasks contributing to health, financial, and social outcomes. PM declines with greater age and in the presence of a cognitive impairment. Toward the goal of developing technology-based support for older adults experiencing cognitive challenges, this study aimed to assess the attitudes of older adults with subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) toward technology to support PM and their preferences regarding device type and the type of activity being supported.

In an online survey, 188 older adults with SCCs and 190 older adults without SCCs indicated their attitudes toward 3 technologies to support PM (mobile apps, smartwatches, voice-activated assistants) and toward 6 PM-related activity areas (relationships and social activities, healthcare activities, transportation, shopping, housework and laundry, managing finances).

Results showed that attitudes toward technology to support PM among older adults with SCCs were relatively positive overall and (1) differed based on the type of device and the type of activity the technology is meant to support, (2) were more positive than attitudes of older adults without SCCs, and (3) were associated with individual difference factors such as general attitudes toward technology, technology proficiency, frequency of memory failures, health, and age. Results indicate older adults with SCCs might prefer using mobile apps relative to other devices and technology to support healthcare relative to supporting other activities. Further, older adults with SCCs showed privacy concerns for voice-activated assistants and technology to manage finances. Older adults with SCCs are a promising population to target using technology-based solutions, and the type of device and type of activity being supported are important to consider while developing technology solutions to enhance independence and well-being.