Perspectives on assistive technology among older Norwegian adults receiving community health services

Figures & data

Table 1. Survey: demographic characteristics (n = 83).

Characteristics	n (%)
Gender
Female	57 (69)
Male	26 (31)
Education
Low	16 (19)
Middle	44 (53)
High	22 (28)
Partner
Living alone	75 (90)
Partner	8 (10)
Use of medication
Yes	79 (95)
No	4 (5)
Have diseases	62 (75)
Fell last year	44 (53)
Health (n = 79)
Good	43 (54)
Poor	36 (46)
	Mean (range)
Age, mean	85 (63–97)
Cognitive function (n = 71)	5.5 (0–13)
	n (%)
No cognitive decline (≤5)	39 (55)
Cognitive decline (>5)	32 (45)

Table 2. Known assistive technology (AT) used by participants in the study (n = 83).

AT	n/%
TV remote control	79 (95)
Cell phone	62 (75)
Social alarm	67 (81)
Stove timer	34 (41)
PC/computer	20 (24)
Tablet	25 (39)
Digital calendar	3 (4)
Digital medicine dispenser	4 (5)

Table 3. The survey participants’ perspectives on assistive technology (AT).

Questions	Agree, N (%)	Neither agree/disagree, N (%)	Disagree, N (%)
1. I am accustomed to using computers, mobile phones and other technical equipment (N = 82)	40 (49)	8 (10)	34 (41)
2. I like to learn and use AT (N = 83)	32 (39)	9 (11)	42 (50)
3. AT is helpful in everyday life (N = 82)	63 (77)	11 (13)	8 (10)
4. I am too old to use AT (N = 82)	49 (60)	8 (10)	25 (30)
5. AT is useful for others, but not for me (N = 82)	45 (55)	8 (10)	29 (35)
6. When I am using AT, I am worried about others receiving information about me (N = 82)	14 (17)	11 (13)	57 (70)
7. AT might lead to less personal assistance (N = 82)	15 (18)	22 (27)	45 (55)

Data availability statement

The interview guide and the questionnaire are available in Norwegian by contacting the first author.