Older adults' attitude towards a monitoring technology

Abstract

Motivation -- Investigate the acceptance of a monitoring technology by older people when presented as part of a tele-assistance service. Research approach -- Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to investigate the attitude of 10 older people towards a tele-assistance service augmented by a sensor network installed at home. Data were collected at different stages of the study through questionnaires and unstructured interviews. Findings/Design -- Although the augmented system was perceived as useful as the traditional one, the attitude towards the service slightly decreased in terms of perceived safety and satisfaction. This might be due to lack of perceived control over the functioning of the sensors. It also emerged that the aesthetic of the sensors was an important dimension that affected the general attitude towards the system. Research limitations/Implications -- Limited number of subjects involved. Originality/Value -- Although the study is only a pilot one and the number of subjects is limited, the value of the study is in the ecological setting (the participants used the system in their houses for 2.5 months). Take away message -- The dimension of control and the aesthetics are fundamental in the user's acceptance of new technologies also for frail users with low technological skills and high levels of computer anxiety.