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. 2021 Mar 11;18(6):2847.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph18062847.

Factors Affecting the Initial Engagement of Older Adults in the Use of Interactive Technology

Lina Lee  1 , Mary Lou Maher  1
Affiliations

Factors Affecting the Initial Engagement of Older Adults in the Use of Interactive Technology

Lina Lee et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Smart environments and the use of interactive technology has the potential to improve the quality of life for the senior community as well as to support the connections among the senior community and the world outside their community. In addition to the increasing number of studies in the field of aging and technologies, research is needed to understand the practical issues of user focus, adoption, and engagement for older adults to accept interactive technologies in their lives. In this study, we use two commercial technological interventions (uDraw and GrandPad) to understand technology-related perceptions and behaviors of older adults. We present five case studies that emerge from empirical observations of initial engagement with technology through research methods such as focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, observations, and diary studies. The contributions of this study are identification of the key factors that influence the initial engagement with interactive technology for older adults.

Keywords: empirical studies; engagement; older adults; technology.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Case 1—Representative character to present positive attitude towards technology.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Case 2—Representative character to present negative attitude towards technology.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Case 3—Representative character to present family oriented use of technology.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Case 4—Representative character to present social use of technology.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Case 5—Representative character to present diverse use of technology.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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