Variables Influencing Older Adults' Intention to Use Home-based Care Technologies

Abstract

The increase in the population of older adults is becoming a global urban problem due to increasing health and welfare needs. Innovations in home-based care technologies offer new approaches to delivering care, reducing costs, and supporting aging in place. However, it appears that there are various influencing factors in relation to the adoption and use of technologies by older adults. This research aims to explore the nature of these factors as well as to evaluate and understand if they influence how older adults approach the adoption of home-based care technologies. Addressing this question could help understand the acceptance and identify the education and training needs required for the use of modern technologies by older adults. To achieve this, we used the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and adopted a qualitative approach. Findings identified some of the key factors influencing older adults' intention to use technologies, including perceived need, social network, self-efficacy, anxiety and attitude towards technology. These factors were not originally evaluated in the UTAUT model; these emerged from the interpretative approach taken on the concerns and perceptions noted by the older adults interviewed. This result provides evidence for the requirement to expand the standard UTAUT model previously used to understand technology adoptions. We argue that the University of the Third Age plays a critical role in enabling senior citizens' knowledge and therefore helping their intention to use these technologies.