Work

Technology Acceptance Among American Indian Older Adults

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose: This present study explored factors associated with technology acceptance in AI older adults. Specifically, we examined whether health and social factors, such as perceived health, social engagement, and social support, are associated with the adoption of technology. Methods: Data were collected using a self-administered survey completed by 227 American Indians over the age of 50 in the Midwest. The survey included standardized measures such as the Technology Acceptance Model, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Social Engagement, and Perceived self-rated health. Hierarchical multivariate regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the main hypotheses of the study. Results: A hierarchical regression model indicated that older AIs with higher education and higher social support were more likely to accept technology use. Participation in social clubs or organizations was associated with higher technology acceptance, whereas frequency of phone contacts with a child was not a significant factor. Perceived health was not associated with technology acceptance. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of social engagement and social support in facilitating AI older adults’ learning and acceptance of technology. Future intervention efforts could be directed toward enhancing technology acceptance of AI older adults, particularly for those who are socially or geographically isolated and poorly educated. Greater attention to the ways in which AI older adults’ culture, needs, beliefs, and attitudes are implicated in health promoting behaviors and practice could help with designing culturally appropriate Internet- and mobile-based health/mental health interventions for this population.

Source: Innovation in Aging

DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.610

Authors: Y Lee, S Roh, S Donahue, K Lee, S Kim

Institutions: San Francisco State University, University of South Dakota, Wichita State University, Northern Kentucky University

Language: English

Topic: Technology Use by Older Adults

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,977