12th EAI International Conference on Pervasive Computing Technologies for Healthcare – Demos, Posters, Doctoral Colloquium

Research Article

Learning Flows: Understanding How Older Adults Adopt and Use Mobile Technology

Download759 downloads
  • @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
Xiying Wang1,*, Tiffany Knearem1, John M. Carroll1
  • 1: Pennsylvania State University
*Contact email: xiyingwang@psu.edu

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.