Relationships between the Desire to Age in Place and Attitudes toward Residential Technology

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships between the desire to age in place and older people’s attitudes toward adopting technology as it relates to their homes. The sample was drawn from people age 55 and older who had Internet access. Results revealed that age had the greatest impact on the desire to age in place, and health condition and income significantly influenced the perceptions and acceptance of residential technology. Although many significant relationships were supported by path analysis, not all relationships were strong enough to warrant the definite conclusion that there was a direct effect of the desire to age in place on attitudes toward residential technology. Findings from this study have significant implications for product designers, marketers, and gerontologists in advancing their understanding of older adults’ attitudes toward adopting technology.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mira Ahn

Mira Ahn is Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Tennessee at Martin, Martin, TN

Rosemary Carucci Goss

Rosemary Carucci Goss is Professor, Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA.