Research Article
Learning Flows: Understanding How Older Adults Adopt and Use Mobile Technology
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/eai.20-4-2018.2276288, author={Xiying Wang and Tiffany Knearem and John M. Carroll}, title={Learning Flows: Understanding How Older Adults Adopt and Use Mobile Technology}, proceedings={12th EAI International Conference on Pervasive Computing Technologies for Healthcare -- Demos, Posters, Doctoral Colloquium}, publisher={EAI}, proceedings_a={PERVASIVEHEALTH - EAI}, year={2018}, month={8}, keywords={active aging mobile technology learning older adults}, doi={10.4108/eai.20-4-2018.2276288} }- Xiying Wang
Tiffany Knearem
John M. Carroll
Year: 2018
Learning Flows: Understanding How Older Adults Adopt and Use Mobile Technology
PERVASIVEHEALTH - EAI
EAI
DOI: 10.4108/eai.20-4-2018.2276288
Abstract
In recent years, the number of older adults who own a smart mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, has increased. However, the popularized idea that older adults are uninterested in or do not care to use mobile technology is still prevalent in today’s society. In this paper, we conducted 12 semi-structured interviews with older adults to understand their health and well-being through the lens of adapting to and learning how to use mobile technology. We found that older adults, upon acquiring a smart mobile device, were motivated to familiarize themselves with it. Moreover, they supported each other in their endeavors to become familiar with technology. We conclude that older adults are positively influenced by the process of adapting to and using new technologies.