"Researchers at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) found that many times "frustration" with new technology made older adults unsure of their ability to use it, leaving them unmotivated to even try" [1]. From research, we see that the younger generation is much more optimistic about the future of technology, and they adopt new technologies quicker [2].

Seniors might embrace technology if they have a better understanding of how it impacts their day-to-day activities. I am talking about the benefits of work, for example, adopting HR Technology, rather than daily activities. Some of these older workers avoid technology because they lack knowledge of how to use it, which in turn impacts them socially, physically, and mentally. It is not that seniors are unable to learn new technology; it seems it is more about them not being motivated to learn [3].

In the research to find factors of older adults' adoption of technology, Dr Lee and Dr Coughlin, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab, presented multiple determinants of technology adoption among seniors. These are:

Value: perceived usefulness & potential benefit

Research shows that seniors are more willing to use technology if it contributes to reaching their goals. For that, they need to view technology as a useful tool that helps to achieve those goals [4]. Could this be the reason why grandparents actually learn how to use 3D-printers quite easily when they want to take on projects with the grandchildren?

Usability, ease of learning and use

Usability is a crucial determinant of technology adoption, which is why technology providers should think about creating technology systems that are user-friendly for all ages, and relatively simple to learn. They should also focus on offering thoughtful learning programmes specifically designed for older users learning needs. The latter concerns more sophisticated technology because there might be instances where seniors won't have a choice but to adopt complex technology. We can smoothen that process by offering a clear learning programme. Dr Lee and Dr Coughlin said, "Technology should not overwhelm the older users with too many features, options or information". Having the accessibility to technical support also makes a big difference. Making technical support easily accessible to older users enables them to receive help whenever they need it.

Social support

According to researchers [5] social support is vital in overcoming barriers to adoption. Gaining support and seeing others adopting technology may reinforce interest and motivation. This will encourage older workers to be more open to accepting new technology.

Emotion

When you introduce new technology to your senior employees, fear often takes a front-row seat. Adopting new technology can raise the fear of losing social connectivity and contact with other people, particularly relevant to the automation of specific tasks that require communication between people. But that fear can have many other reasons. The point is to be aware of the emotions when you introduce technology to employees.

Independence

Older adults have the psychological need for autonomy. Not only seniors but most people have that need as well. In the work context, this refers to seniors' preference to execute their tasks without being dependent on technology and software. Or they prefer doing it the traditional way like they always did. "Why change if it is going well?"

Experience, perceived familiarity

People prefer systems that share similar features with other technologies they are using or have used in the past. An entirely new system can be scary. Dr Lee and Dr Coughlin explain that the causal connection between experience and adoption is stronger for seniors because exposure to technology is negatively correlated with age, while technology anxiety is inversely correlated with experience.

Older adults may lack the desire to learn new technology when technology is not presented as a form of experimental learning that is based on the adults' experience.

Limited access and lack of user knowledge may hinder older adults from using new technologies effectively.

Confidence

Although many seniors are interested in technology, they may lack the confidence to adopt new systems. The reason for that may be the comfort they experience executing tasks their way and the intimidation they feel by these new technologies.

Research on the factors of adopting technology shows a positive correlation between anxiety and age. Self-efficacy is negatively correlated, which means that seniors lack self-confidence and experience more anxiety when using technology [6]. Also, the results of Mitzner’s [7] study on older adults' adoption of PRISM (Personal Reminder Information and Social Management) indicated the significance of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy, in this context, refers to seniors' belief in their ability to successfully adopt new technologies.

Older adults have special learning needs that differ from younger adults when it comes to adopting technology [8]. Younger adults grew up with technology, whereas older adults had to learn it later. As people grow older, their learning process slows down, which is why we need to consider creating learning programs seniors can follow comfortably.

With emerging technology, it may become necessary to adopt technologies for an organisation's lifespan, compelling all employees to adapt, including seniors. Read our next article here where we explain how to have a positive influence on these determinants.

REFERENCES

[1]Jefferson, R. S. (2019, June 28). More Seniors Are Embracing Technology. But Can They Use It? UCSD Researchers Suggest Asking Them. Retrieved March 2, 2020, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinseatonjefferson/2019/06/28/more-seniors-are-embracing-technology-but-can-they-use-it-ucsd-researchers-suggest-asking-them/?sh=37afa8332323

[2]Silver, L. (2019, February 5). In emerging economies, smartphone adoption has grown more quickly among younger generations. Retrieved March 2, 2020, from https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2019/02/05/in-emerging-economies-smartphone-adoption-has-grown-more-quickly-among-younger-generations/

[3]Haeggans, R. (2012). The 60’s Are the New 20’s: Teaching Older Adults Technology. SRATE Journal, 21(2), 1–8. Retrieved from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ990630

[4]Lee, C., & Coughlin, J. F. (2014). PERSPECTIVE: Older Adults’ Adoption of Technology: An Integrated Approach to Identifying Determinants and Barriers. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 32(5), 747–759. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12176

[5]Conci, M., Pianesi, F., & Zancanaro, M. (2009). Useful, Social and Enjoyable: Mobile Phone Adoption by Older People. Human-Computer Interaction – INTERACT 2009, 63–76. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-03655-2_7

[6]Lee, C., & Coughlin, J. F. (2014). PERSPECTIVE: Older Adults’ Adoption of Technology: An Integrated Approach to Identifying Determinants and Barriers. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 32(5), 747–759. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12176

[7]Mitzner, T. L., Savla, J., Boot, W. R., Sharit, J., Charness, N., Czaja, S. J., & Rogers, W. A. (2018). Technology Adoption by Older Adults: Findings From the PRISM Trial. The Gerontologist, 59(1), 34–44. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gny113

[8]Haeggans, R. (2012). The 60’s Are the New 20’s: Teaching Older Adults Technology. SRATE Journal, 21(2), 1–8. Retrieved from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ990630