Acceptance of new health and communication technology by older adults

Abstract

The study focuses on the health information behaviour of people at the age of 60 years and older, with an emphasis on the adoption of information and communication technology, and differences by their socio-demographic background. A survey was used to collect the data from a random sample of 300 people aged 60 years and older. The response rate was 42%. Participants were divided up in two groups, people aged 60 to 67 years old, and people aged 68 years or older. Differences across sex and education were examined for each age group and Tuckey test used to examine if differences were significant. Although the majority in both age groups were interested in health information, including information in digital form, they had not yet adopted new health information and communication technology. People in the younger group considered it difficult to take new technology in use and both age groups found it difficult to get help using technology. It is not sufficient to make new information and communication technology available. For older adults to be ready to accept new technology and take it into use, they must be offered training at using it and technical support as needed.