The Role of Fluid Abilities in Technology Use Among Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Zhang Shenghao, Boot Walter
Primary Institution: Weill Cornell Medicine
Hypothesis
General fluid abilities are relevant to technology proficiency in older adults.
Conclusion
Higher general fluid abilities are associated with better technology proficiency in older adults, but age affects this relationship.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults with higher general fluid abilities had higher technology proficiency.
- General fluid abilities did not predict technology proficiency after controlling for age.
- Older adults with little previous experience showed no predictive relationship between fluid abilities and technology proficiency after training.
Takeaway
Older people who are better at thinking quickly and remembering things tend to use technology better, but getting older makes it harder to keep up with technology.
Methodology
The study used structural equation modeling to analyze data from cross-sectional and longitudinal samples of older adults.
Limitations
The study did not directly examine cognitive decline as a factor in technology use.
Participant Demographics
Normally aging older adults with varying previous technology experience.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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