Technology Acceptance and Depressive Symptoms among Community-dwelling Older Adults

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Little is known about either older people’s perception and acceptance of new technology prior to actual technology usage or the impact technology acceptance has on their psychological well-being. This study aimed to explore the possible benefits of technology acceptance in reducing depression among older people residing in the community. This research project was a correlational study conducted in the northeastern United States. Data were collected from community-dwelling adults over 65 from October 2020 to March 2021. Out of 192 participants, 180 participants’ information was included for final analysis, with 12 cases excluded due to missing data, significant others completing surveys on the participant’s behalf as result of a disability or physical obstacle, or participants who we could not contact. The five-item Geriatric Depression Scale was employed to measure the level of depressive symptoms. Among the participants, 25 of them (13%) scored higher than 2, indicating the presence of depression. The correlates of the level of depression were: level of education, overall physical health, level of loneliness, perceived ease of technology use, attitude toward technology use, and intent to purchase new technology for older people. Findings indicate that a positive attitude toward technology use was inversely associated with depression levels. This shows how quality of life related to mental health will be improved by a change in attitude toward technology use. Participants were interested in learning to use new technology, and would like more opportunities to do so. Policy changes that increase lifelong learning options would help to make this happen.

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