Predicting Older Adults’ Continued Computer Use After Initial Adoption

Abstract

Background and Objectives Sustained computer and internet use have the potential to help older adults in various aspects of their lives, making predicting sustained use a critical goal. However, some factors related to adoption and use (e.g., computer attitudes) change over time and with experience. To understand these dynamics, the current study modeled changes in constructs related to computer use after initial computer adoption and examined whether these changes predict continued use. Research Design and Methods We used data from the computer arm (N = 150, MAge = 76.15) of a 12-month field trial examining the potential benefits of computer use in older adults. Individual differences identified in the technology acceptance literature (perceived usefulness, ease of use, computer interest, computer self-efficacy, computer anxiety, quality of life, social isolation, and social support) were measured before (baseline), during (month 6), and after the intervention (posttest). Univariate and bivariate latent change score models examined changes in each predictor and their potential causal relationship with use. Results Results demonstrated large inter-individual differences in the change patterns of individual difference factors examined. Change in perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and computer interest, computer self-efficacy, and computer anxiety were correlated with but not predictive of change in use. Discussion and Implication Our findings demonstrate the limitation of popular constructs in technology acceptance literature in predicting continued use and point out important gaps in knowledge to be targeted in future investigations.

Smartphone App Designed to Collect Health Information in Older Adults: Usability Study

“…It is beyond the scope of the study to examine other aspects of use such as efficiency (how quickly the survey or task is completed once the design is learned) and memorability (how easy to use after a period of not using the app) that may have important implications to research study designs. Continued engagement with technology changes over time in older adults but the factors related to continued technology use are unclear and require further investigation [42]. Our study took place in Massachusetts, and therefore, may not be generalizable to other geographic areas.…”