UNDERSTANDING OLDER ADULTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD MOBILE AND WEARABLE TECHNOLOGIES TO SUPPORT HEALTH AND COGNITION

Abstract

Abstract Technologies that facilitate remote patient monitoring, virtual care, and telehealth are becoming increasingly prevalent, accelerated due to the challenges providing healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for more efficient and effective methods to care for the expanding older adult population. Despite the potential benefits of these technologies, their promise can be hampered by low rates of acceptance and adoption among older adults. We assessed older adults’ (N = 92) attitudes towards the use of wearable and mobile technologies for 1) predicting cognitive decline, 2) assisting with adherence to health activities, and 3) collection of self-report data to understand current health status and predict future problems. Participants generally rated hypothetical technology solutions as useful (M = 4.2, SD = 0.70, 1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree), were interested in learning more about these technologies (M = 3.81, SD = 0.86), and indicated willingness to adopt these technologies themselves (M = 3.83, SD = 0.93); however, participants did indicate some privacy concerns (M = 2.92, SD = 1.02. General technology attitudes and previous experience using mobile devices were the best predictors of acceptance and willingness to adopt these technologies (r =0.50, p < .001; r =0.22, p < .05, respectively). These findings suggest generally positive attitudes and highlight potential targets for intervention to increase the uptake of these technologies, maximizing their benefits.