Age Differences in Technology Use
Author Information
Author(s): Sanders Edie, Mois George, Rogers Wendy, Boot Walter
Primary Institution: Weill Cornell Medicine
Hypothesis
Understanding age differences in technology use is crucial for implementing technology-based solutions to enhance independence and wellbeing.
Conclusion
Older adults are not necessarily less likely to adopt and use technology compared to younger age groups.
Supporting Evidence
- Nearly every participant in each age group reported using a computer, navigation device, smartphone, and TV.
- Middle-aged adults reported using virtual reality and wearable devices most frequently.
- Younger adults reported using tablets the least.
- Older adults reported using voice-activated assistants the most.
- Gaming consoles were used less frequently with each increasing age group.
- Robots were less commonly used across all age groups.
Takeaway
This study looked at how different age groups use technology, and found that older people use some technologies just as much as younger people.
Methodology
An online survey was conducted with 120 participants across three age groups to report technology use across 13 categories.
Participant Demographics
40 younger adults (18-35 years), 40 middle-aged adults (35-64 years), and 40 older adults (65+ years).
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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