Using the smartphone to support successful aging: Technology acceptance with selective optimization and compensation among older adults

Abstract

Aging populations and the rapid dissemination of technological innovations both underscore the importance of the use and adoption of new technologies among older adults. Most studies have focused primarily on the barriers older adults face in adopting new technologies without paying much attention to how seniors might purposefully make use of new technologies to handle age-related changes. In this study, we filled both theoretical and empirical gaps by focusing on the roles smartphones might play in helping older adults handle challenges in their daily lives. Drawing upon a web-based survey of older adults 55-75 years old, our study revealed that having a positive attitude is key to successful aging and that this positive attitude toward aging motivates the elderly to utilize smartphones to compensate for aging-related deficits in daily life. We conclude our paper with a discussion of the theoretical implications of these results and directions for future research.