Predictors of Computer Use in Community-Dwelling, Ethnically Diverse Older Adults

Abstract

Objective In this study we analyzed self-reported computer use, demographic variables, psychosocial variables, and health and well-being variables collected from 460 ethnically diverse, community-dwelling elders in order to investigate the relationship computer use has with demographics, well-being and other key psychosocial variables in older adults. Background Although younger elders with more education, those who employ active coping strategies, or those who are low in anxiety levels are thought to use computers at higher rates than others, previous research has produced mixed or inconclusive results regarding ethnic, gender, and psychological factors, or has concentrated on computer-specific psychological factors only (e.g., computer anxiety). Few such studies have employed large sample sizes or have focused on ethnically diverse populations of community-dwelling elders. Method With a large number of overlapping predictors, zero-order analysis alone is poorly equipped to identify variables that are independently associated with computer use. Accordingly, both zero-order and stepwise logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the correlates of two types of computer use: email and general computer use. Results Results indicate that younger age, greater level of education, non-Hispanic ethnicity, behaviorally active coping style, general physical health, and role-related emotional health each independently predicted computer usage. Conclusion Study findings highlight differences in computer usage, especially in regard to Hispanic ethnicity and specific health and well-being factors. Application Potential applications of this research include future intervention studies, individualized computer-based activity programming, or customizable software and user interface design for older adults responsive to a variety of personal characteristics and capabilities.

Gerontechnology acceptance by elderly Hong Kong Chinese: a senior technology acceptance model (STAM)

“…This result is in agreement with previous studies conducted in Europe and the USA (Czaja et al 2006;Werner et al 2011). Decline in cognitive abilities, such as memory and speed of information processing, inhibits older adults when using technology.…”

“…Not surprisingly, older people with higher levels of economic status and education were more likely to use gerontechnology. These findings are consistent with recent studies of technology use in general in older adults (Pan and Jordan-Marsh 2010;Werner et al 2011).…”

Computer anxiety and attitudes towards the computer and the internet with Romanian high-school and university students

“…Previous studies showing that the frequent use of computers and technology led to decreased anxiety and to increased confidence, which in turn, could provide strategies to enhance computer use and positive attitude towards computers and technology (Chu & Mastel-Smith, 2010;Werner, Carlson, Jordan-Marsh, & Clark, 2011). …”

ICT activity in later life: Internet use and leisure activities amongst senior citizens in Finland

“…Morris et al 2007;Turner et al 2007). However, statistics show that this is not entirely the case (see also Werner et al 2011); for instance, 100% of Finns aged 16-35 had accessed the Internet over the past 3 months, as against the 43% of those aged 65 or older (Statistics Finland 2010). Yet, at the same time, the oldest age group also provides a clear division between users and non-users, with 50% of those aged 65 or older reporting never having accessed the Internet (Statistics Finland 2010).…”