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Predicting older adults’ perceptions about a computer system designed for seniors

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Abstract

Although computer technology may be particularly useful for older adults (e.g., for communication and information access), they have been slower adopters than their younger counterparts. Perceptions about computers, such as perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, can pose barriers to acceptance and universal access (Davis in MIS Q 13(3):319–340, 1989). Therefore, understanding the precursors to these perceptions for older adult non-computer users may provide insight into the reasons for their non-adoption. The authors examined the relationship between perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of a computer interface designed for older users and demographic, technology experience, cognitive abilities, personality, and attitudinal variables in a sample of 300 non-computer-using adults between the ages 64 and 98, selected for being at high risk for social isolation. The strongest correlates of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were technology experience, personality dimensions of agreeableness and openness to experience, and attitudes. The emotional stability personality dimension was significantly correlated with perceived ease of use though not perceived usefulness. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that attitudes (i.e., self-efficacy, comfort, and interest) remained predictive of perceptions of usefulness and ease of use when technology experience and personality variables were accounted for. Given that attitudes are more malleable than other variables, such as demographic and cognitive abilities, these findings highlight the potential to increase technology acceptance through positive experiences, appropriate training, and educational campaigns about the benefits of computers and other technologies.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported in part by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (National Institute on Aging) Grant P01 AG17211 under the auspices of the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE; www.create-center.org). The authors would also like to thank Chin Chin Lee, Laura Matalenas, Sank Nair, Shih-Hua Fu, and Minsun Park for their assistance with various aspects of the project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0170, USA

    Tracy L. Mitzner, Wendy A. Rogers & Arthur D. Fisk

  2. Psychology Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306-4301, USA

    Walter R. Boot & Neil Charness

  3. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA

    Sara J. Czaja

  4. Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, 33124-0623, USA

    Joseph Sharit

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  1. Tracy L. Mitzner
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  6. Sara J. Czaja
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  7. Joseph Sharit
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Correspondence to Tracy L. Mitzner.

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Mitzner, T.L., Rogers, W.A., Fisk, A.D. et al. Predicting older adults’ perceptions about a computer system designed for seniors. Univ Access Inf Soc 15, 271–280 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-014-0383-y

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