Beyond the Digital Divide: Factors Associated With Adoption of Technologies Related to Aging in Place

While technology holds great promise for promoting independent living, older adults still encounter challenges with technology adoption. The current study identified classes of technology users among older adults and examined associations between technology user class and individual characteristics. The Technology Assessment Procedure method was utilized. Participants (N = 187, ages 65–92) were presented with technologies spanning domains of transportation, leisure, health, and new learning, and rated various measures related to technology adoption. Two user groups, “open to technology” and “reluctant to technology,” were identified. The “reluctant to technology” group, indicated needing more help with new technologies, had less confidence using technology, perceived greater losses associated with aging, and reported less technology experience. In contrast, the “open to technology” group showed higher levels of crystallized intelligence, greater openness to experience, and lower perceptions of aging-related loss. Interventions promoting technology adoption should focus on boosting technology-efficacy, confidence, and accessibility of technology applications.