[Use of technology in old age: associations between acceptance, competence, control, interest and social indicators in individuals over 60 years old].

Abstract

Background: In addition to sociodemographic factors, action-theoretical constructs, such as technology acceptance and competence play an important role in technology use.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the associations between technology use, sociodemographic factors, action-theoretical constructs, and technology interest.

Material and methods: Data were collected from 585 study participants aged over 60 years from 14 surveys conducted between 2014 and 2020. A structural equation model was used to explain the relationships.

Results: The structural equation model with covariates of survey year, age, gender, and education (n = 585) yielded the following fit indices: comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.918, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.894, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.056 [95 % confidence interval: 0.050-0.063], Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) = 0.079, χ2 = 3051.936 (p < 0.001), χ2/degrees of freedom (df) = 18.499. The strongest associations with technology use were found for technology acceptance and competence. Additionally, technology competence showed a significant association with technology interest. Gender and technology interest were not related to technology use but it was observed that men had higher levels of technology acceptance, control, competence, and interest.

Discussion: Taking technology competence beliefs into account plays a crucial role in understanding the technology usage and interest of older individuals. Additionally, gender-specific differences in the theoretical constructs of action and interest in technology have been revealed in the context of the digital divide.