Potential of e-travel assistants to increase older adults' mobility

Abstract

In this empirical study we examine the willingness of travelers to use small screen devices providing electronic travel ("e-travel") services. As in the near future increasingly more and older adults are travelling around, it is a basic question how we can support this wish for mobility. However, electronic travel services on mobile device are only accepted if it is understood in how far these devices meet the actual travel behavior on the one hand and user requirements respecting the usability of devices on the other. Yet, only little knowledge is prevalent regarding the individual reasons for the choice of means of transportation as well as the perceived needs when being supported by a device providing travel services. In order to get a broad insight into age-related mobility patterns, users of a wide age range (N = 151; 18-75 years of age) were questioned in a survey, in which the travel experience (frequency of using different means of transportation and their evaluation) as well as technical experience (Internet usage and handling of small screen devices) were explored. The findings show that age (but not gender) is a crucial factor regarding the acceptance of electronic travel assistants, and services. The crucial factor underlying age effects is the technical experience and travel expertise: The higher the familiarity with electronic services in general (Internet usage) and specifically (handling of mobile devices) and domain knowledge (travel experience), the higher is the perceived usefulness of future e-travel services. Outcomes might be helpful for the development of e-travel applications especially with for the intention to keep the elderly mobile and fit for travelling. © 2010 Springer-Verlag.