Use or Non-Use of Gerontechnology—A Qualitative Study

Bibliographic Data

ID15499122
AuthorsKe Chen (0000-0001-5310-5090, City University of Hong Kong), Alan H S Chan (0000-0002-7541-3163, City University of Hong Kong, corresponding author)
Year2013
Volume10
Issue10
Pages4645-4666
Publication date2013-09-30
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph10104645
PMID24084674
OpenAlexW1972511426
LanguageEN
Citations received29
References cited42

This study employed a qualitative approach to explore the attitudes and experiences of older people towards using gerontechnology, and to determine the underlying reasons that might account for their use and non-use of gerontechnology. Four focus group discussions and 26 individual interviews were undertaken. Qualitative data were analyzed using NVivo software and were categorized using coding and grounded theory techniques. The result indicated that old people in Hong Kong had an overall positive attitude toward technology. Positive attitudes were most frequently related to enhanced convenience and advanced features. Negative attitudes were most frequently associated with health risks and social problems arising from using technology (e.g., social isolation and addiction). Usage of technology is driven by outcome expectations and social influences, and supported by facilitators, whereas non-use of gerontechnology relates to the personal (e.g., health and functional capacities), technological (e.g., cost and complexity), and environmental barriers experienced. Use of gerontechnology is a synthesis of person, technology, and environment. To encourage non-users to adopt technology, there is a need to remove barriers at personal, technological, and environmental levels

Business · Focus group · Gerontechnology · Grounded theory · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Applied Psychology · Innovative Approaches in Technology and Social Development · Medicine · Psychology · Smart Cities and Technologies · Technology Use by Older Adults · Gerontology · Marketing

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