Use and perception of gerontechnology: differences in a group of Spanish older adults
Quality in Ageing and Older Adults
ISSN: 1471-7794
Article publication date: 16 August 2022
Issue publication date: 17 October 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the profile of use of gerontechnology in Spanish older adults considering their age group (60–70; 71–80 and over 80 years) and to discern whether groups of subjects with similar characteristics can be established to ascertain which factors are behind the profile of frequent gerontechnology use.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative study is presented to understand the profile of use of gerontechnology in Spanish older adults. The sample comprised 497 participants (aged between 60 and 94 years).
Findings
The results show that, even though most participants consider technology to be useful in their daily lives, there is still a lack of knowledge on how to use it, especially among older subjects. This highlights the importance of promoting technological cocreation initiatives such as senior living labs.
Research limitations/implications
Other researchers are encouraged to include the voices of older adults using gerontechnology in further studies.
Practical implications
If we want to increase the acceptance of technology by older adults, we must first let them take part in the design of the technologies they will use.
Social implications
This research provides promising data that should merit attention to contribute to the well-being and quality of life of older adults in a society where currently technology is a key part in every sphere of our daily life.
Originality/value
The value of this research lies in the implications of “aging in place” studies today.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación.
PID2019-107826GB-I00.
Funded by the project called “Adaptabilidad subjetiva en entornos tecnosociales e innovación gerontecnológica basada en la vida (SENIORLAB-LBD)” with a Grant Ref. PID2019-107826GB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033 and, as appropriate, by “ERDF A way of making Europe”, by the “European Union” or by the “European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR”.
Citation
Murciano-Hueso, A., Martín-Lucas, J., Serrate González, S. and Torrijos Fincias, P. (2022), "Use and perception of gerontechnology: differences in a group of Spanish older adults", Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 114-128. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAOA-02-2022-0010
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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