Technology acceptance of older persons living in residential care

The social, psychological, physical, and financial benefits of digital inclusion are of increasing importance for older persons. However, older persons are often less inclined to utilise technological communication with reports of perceived poor technology acceptance. In this context, a study was conducted to investigate communication technology acceptance in older persons living in residential care. A cross sectional survey of residents (≥60 yrs) of four inner city residences in Durban, South Africa was conducted to assess communication technology access and technology acceptance defined as Usage Behaviour. A researcher-administered questionnaire was based on the Senior Technology Acceptance Model (STAM). Descriptive statistics of STAM factors and structural equation model (SEM) were conducted to test this model, to quantify the importance of various technology acceptance factors on Usage Behaviour among older persons living in residential care. The survey had a 72.1% response rate (n=277). Most of the respondents owned mobile phones (87.6%), although there was low smartphone ownership. Family desire to communicate and ease of use motivated mobile phone acquisition. Behaviour Intention, Facilitating Conditions, Attitude to Life and Satisfaction and education level were significantly associated with Usage Behaviour. Gerontechnology Anxiety and Age showed significant negative associations with Usage Behaviour. The acceptance of communication technology in this setting was low and predominantly influenced by Attitudinal and Technological Context factors together with age and education.