How Education Level and Willingness to Learn Affect Older Adults in their use of Mobile Technology in Southwest Idaho
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Kathryn Demps
Presentation Date
7-2016
Abstract
As a person’s age increases, their use of technology decreases (Casado- Muñoz, 2015), which can hinder their access to resources, such as medical care, online products and services, and basic communication. For 90% of American adults, the use of mobile technology is a part of daily life (Pew Research Center, 2014). Previous research shows that if seniors have higher education levels and willingness to learn, they are more likely to use technology (Bailey & Sheehan, 2009). This project will use the cultural evolution theory and social learning to examine how education levels affect a senior’s use of technology, and how their willingness to learn affects their adoption of mobile technology. I will conduct interviews and surveys with 50 individuals, aged 65 years or older; 25 individuals enrolled currently in educational courses and 25 individuals who are not. This research gives a deeper understanding of the factors that influence technology use in seniors, and how to encourage such usage.
How Education Level and Willingness to Learn Affect Older Adults in their use of Mobile Technology in Southwest Idaho
As a person’s age increases, their use of technology decreases (Casado- Muñoz, 2015), which can hinder their access to resources, such as medical care, online products and services, and basic communication. For 90% of American adults, the use of mobile technology is a part of daily life (Pew Research Center, 2014). Previous research shows that if seniors have higher education levels and willingness to learn, they are more likely to use technology (Bailey & Sheehan, 2009). This project will use the cultural evolution theory and social learning to examine how education levels affect a senior’s use of technology, and how their willingness to learn affects their adoption of mobile technology. I will conduct interviews and surveys with 50 individuals, aged 65 years or older; 25 individuals enrolled currently in educational courses and 25 individuals who are not. This research gives a deeper understanding of the factors that influence technology use in seniors, and how to encourage such usage.
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Poster #Th22