Technological capital within aging United States-based populations: challenges and recommendations for online intervention uptake

Aging adults experience a disproportionate number of health-related problems. We applied a technological capital framework to assess how participation in web-delivered interventions is influenced by resources, perceived support, technology skills, and an overall environment conducive to making a change. Specifically, we conducted an in-depth examination of the uses and attitudes regarding online health information technologies among 41 middle-aged and older adults (‘digital immigrants’). Situated in a six-year community ethnography, this qualitative study identifies potential barriers confronting middle-aged and older adults’ engagement with online interventions and extends existing work on the four factors comprising technological capital (awareness, knowledge, access, and technological capacity). We found six major themes related to ICT use: literacy, comfort, adoption willingness, infrastructure, information security, and support availability. We provide evidence-based recommendations for overcoming barriers, and recommendations for assessing and teaching information technology skills across the lifespan without being ageist.