Attitudes of older adults towards using modern technology

Now we live in the world of science and technology. It is a world that man has renewed and enriched with the contribution of science and technology for hundreds of years. There is not a single day of our life which is not indebted to science and technology. All modern technology has made our daily life comfortable and easier. Now, everybody can enjoy their life to the full. Both old and young adults use technology in their daily lives.

Technology is becoming imperative to function in modern day society because it is pervasive across all domains of life. Moreover, technology can facilitate everyday tasks enabling older adults to remain independent longer. Over 90% of adults over the age of 65 live independently (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000), and most of the older population prefers to remain in their own homes as long as they are able. Technology can support many home-based tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and yard maintenance. In addition, technology items such as cell phones and medical alert systems can be life saving when in need of immediate help. Older adults do recognize the potential of technology to facilitate independence. 

Technology also has the potential to assist in monitoring and maintaining health as well as managing health conditions and diseases. Older adults may particularly benefit from using health technologies given that the likelihood of having a disability or health condition increases with age.

The rapid growth of the elderly population and increase in life expectancy have led to new models of positive ageing where older adults are being empowered to lead fulfilling lives and adapt to degenerative changes to maintain functionality, autonomy and quality of life.

Technology can enable older people to renew or develop social contacts and actively engage in their communities. It can help prevent older people from becoming socially isolated and lonely because of life changes including retirement, bereavement, a deterioration in health. And it can help those who are socially isolated escape their situation.

Computers have the potential to support older adults in a number of ways such as helping them stay connected to the world through news websites and with family and friends through email, as well as by providing memory supports and education opportunities. For interface and software designers make computers usable and useful for older users they must have an understanding of those users’ needs and preferences related to their current use of computers. 

Computer experience has been found to be associated with the elderly attitudes toward computers. In a quasi-experimental study, Danowski and Sacks (1980) found that respondents reported more positive attitudes toward computers after being exposed to them. Krauss and Hoyer (1984) examined the attitudes of older men and women with computer experience. They found that older men in particular with more positive attitudes than individuals with less experience. Moreover, older adults with higher levels of income and education also have been found to possess more favorable attitudes toward personal computers.