Insights into Older Adults’ Technology Acceptance through Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT

This study aims to provide a synthetic examination of the determinants of the behavioral intention (BI) of older adults to use technology and to investigate the moderating variables that contribute to heterogeneity in prior literature. This study is developed through meta-analysis involving 35 primary studies over 15 years. Results indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and social influence are substantially correlated with the BI of older adults to adopt technology. These determinants perform differently when regional disparity is considered, thereby suggesting a cross-cultural study in the future. Moreover, older adults’ willingness to use familiar technologies, such as smartphones, is strongest, whereas their acceptance of unfamiliar technologies, such as healthcare systems and devices, is likely affected by the three determinants. The synthesized results may benefit researchers in determining future research directions and decision makers in gerontechnology research and development and marketing.

Disclosure of potential conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China, Grant Number 71804007.

Notes on contributors

Qi Ma

Qi Ma is an assistant professor and the assistant to the dean at School of Public Administration at Beihang University. She got her PhD degree at City University of Hong Kong. Her research interests include aging studies, behavioral public management, and technology innovation management.

Alan H. S. Chan

Alan H. S. Chan is an associate professor at the department of systems engineering and engineering management at City University of Hong Kong. His research interests include human Factors and ergonomics,

safety and health. He is the chartered ergonomist & human factors specialist of the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors.

Pei-Lee Teh

Pei-Lee Teh is a Professor and the Head of Department of Management at School of Business and the Director of Gerontechnology Laboratory at Monash University Malaysia. Her research interests include management information systems, gerontechnology and innovation. She is the Board Member of International Conference on Cross-Cultural Design (HCII affiliated conference).