“Connect it down to the person”: Perspectives on Technology Adoption from Older Angelenos

Abstract

AbstractOlder adults can face multiple barriers to digital device adoption. To better understand these barriers and other influential factors of digital device use, we conducted focus groups and interviews with adults ages 60+ in collaboration with a non‐profit senior services organization in our large metropolitan area. The average age of participants (n=41) was 74.7 years (SD= 7.4 years). The sample included both Spanish‐speaking (n=21) and English‐speaking (n=20) participants. We used an immersion‐crystallization framework for analysis, engaging in extensive iterative cycles to add, remove and amend codes to identify four major themes: 1) facilitators and 2) barriers of technology usage and digital device uptake, 3) negative aspects of use, and 4) preferred learning methods for digital device training. We found that participants primarily used digital devices to connect with family and friends and cited this ability to connect as a key driver of both initial and continued use. Family members, prior work experience, and community resources were the main facilitators while lack of know‐how was a major barrier. Participants cited substantial concerns about online scams and fraud with frequent device use. Participants preferred hands‐on methods for digital device training and stressed the importance of patient instructors and repetition. To align with our findings, policies that support older adults in overcoming barriers to digital access should comprehensively address secondary barriers to digital adoption by providing ongoing individualized training and social support.