Older adults' use of and attitudes toward activity monitoring technologies

Cara Bailey Fausset, Tracy L. Mitzner, Chandler E. Price, Brian D. Jones, W. Brad Fain, Wendy A. Rogers

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Self-management of health is becoming increasingly important in today's healthcare climate. Activity monitoring technologies have the potential to support health self-management by tracking, storing, compiling, and providing feedback about an individual's engagement in movement activities. Older adults represent a fast growing segment of the population who may benefit from such technologies. To understand how to facilitate technology acceptance and adoption, more information is needed about older adults' attitudes and usage of such technologies. Eight older adult participants (Mage = 65.0 years; SD = 3.2; range = 61-69) used one of four activity monitoring technologies in their own homes for two weeks. Attitudes and usability issues were assessed and evaluated within a technology acceptance framework. Participants' initial attitudes were positive, but after using the technology for two weeks, attitudes were mixed. Three participants indicated they would continue using the technology, whereas five said they would abandon the technology. These data offer insight into older adults' use of and attitudes toward activity monitoring technologies and provide improvement opportunities for designers. The results suggest that efforts should focus on conveying the usefulness and personal benefits of activity monitoring technologies specific to older adults.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, HFES 2013
Pages1683-1687
Number of pages5
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event57th Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting - 2013, HFES 2013 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Sep 30 2013Oct 4 2013

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
ISSN (Print)1071-1813

Other

Other57th Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting - 2013, HFES 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period9/30/1310/4/13

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human Factors and Ergonomics

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