Purpose: To examine factors influencing use of mobile health applications (apps) among older adults using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Method: Data from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging ( N = 1,013 adults aged ≥65 years) were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests identified demographic factors associated with mobile health app use. Informatics experts categorized reasons for use and non-use via TAM constructs, perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU). Results: Only 27.2% of participants used mobile health apps. App use correlated with demographics and home internet accessibility, although the effect sizes were small. PU motivators included tracking health and seeking information. Barriers to PU and PEOU included lack of interest, awareness, and discomfort with technology. Conclusion: Addressing PU and PEOU is essential to improve app adoption among older adults. Nurses can enhance adoption by promoting digital literacy and supporting user-centered app design with simple navigation and larger fonts.
Choi et al. (Wed,) studied this question.