Attitudes related to technology for active and healthy aging in a national multigenerational survey

The rapid advancement of technology offers potential for supporting active and healthy aging, defined as "optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security to enhance quality of life". However, research on technology's actual capabilities in this area is limited and often focuses narrowly on ICT, e-health, and wearable devices, neglecting other technologies integrated into daily life (e.g., kitchen appliances, cars). Existing research shows conflicting results regarding technology acceptance among older adults, highlighting the need for larger-scale quantitative studies. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and its successor UTAUT2 provide frameworks for understanding technology adoption based on user characteristics, intentions, and behaviors. However, these models primarily focus on user adoption rather than adapting technology to user needs. This study addresses the gap in research by exploring generational differences in attitudes toward technology for active and healthy aging, using a multigenerational perspective grounded in theories of health, environmental gerontology, age stratification, and technology.

Previous research on technology adoption by older adults often portrays them as technophobic and lacking computer literacy. However, a meta-analysis challenged this stereotype, finding a negative relationship between chronological age and technology acceptance only for technologies with unclear functionality (e.g., social media). Studies indicate that perceived value and ease of use significantly influence technology adoption in adults. Older adults prioritize the perceived benefits of technology products. This study builds upon existing research by adopting a generational lens, exploring attitudes and acceptance of a broad range of technologies across three generations. It challenges ageist stereotypes by examining generational similarities and differences in technology adoption.

This quantitative, cross-sectional study, part of the Generation Tech project, employed a national survey with a random sample (n=2,121) of Swedish men and women from three age cohorts (30–39, 50–59, and 70–79 years). The Swedish Ethical Review Authority approved the study. Kantar Sifo conducted sampling, recruitment, and data collection. Potential participants were initially contacted by mail, followed by reminders via mail and phone. A web-based survey was the primary method, with telephone and mail options provided. The survey included questions on attitudes toward and acceptance of a wide range of technologies (household devices, ICT, welfare technology, medical technology) and respondent characteristics (demographics, self-rated health, finances). A pilot study was conducted to refine the survey. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and binary logistic regression to investigate generational differences in preferences and attitudes. SPSS v.27 was used for analysis.

The survey included 2121 participants. The youngest generation had higher education levels and better self-rated health than other generations. The oldest generation reported lower economic status and poorer health. Participants preferred using household devices, home entertainment, exercise devices, and assistive devices to support active and healthy aging. The oldest generation (70–79 years) showed significantly less interest in activity sensors, exercise devices, personal health sensors, and several other technologies compared to the younger generations. Conversely, the youngest generation (30–39 years) showed less interest in household devices, home entertainment, and social media than the oldest generation. The middle-aged generation (50–59 years) demonstrated significantly higher interest in assistive devices, PERS, and social media than the oldest generation. Primary reasons for technology use included independence, maintaining social connections, physical activity, and emergency notification. The oldest generation was significantly less interested in using technologies for time-saving, safety, health monitoring, and entertainment. Household devices were perceived as practical and necessary, but the oldest generation rated them lower in usefulness, user-friendliness, and time-saving compared to younger generations. Similar patterns were observed for ICT products. Price, flexibility, and standard functions were important factors in technology choice; environmental sustainability was most important for the oldest generation. Most respondents felt they could keep up with technology development, particularly in the youngest generation. Binary logistic regression showed the effect of sociodemographic variables was minor compared to generational differences.

This study offers a nuanced perspective on technology adoption for active and healthy aging, moving beyond the focus on older adults alone. It revealed both shared and differing attitudes across generations. The preference for traditional technologies over newer ones suggests the influence of prior experience and familiarity. The unexpected lack of interest in welfare technologies and smart homes, despite their availability for decades, points to the importance of user experience and familiarity in shaping technology adoption. The findings align with domestication theory, which emphasizes the ongoing integration of technology into daily life and subsequent adaptations. The study counters ageist stereotypes by demonstrating shared attitudes toward several technology types, but highlights the necessity of considering generational preferences in technology design and development to ensure usability and value. Perceived value and ease of use are crucial for technology adoption across the lifespan.

This study provides valuable insights into generational attitudes towards technology for healthy aging, highlighting both similarities and differences across three age groups. The findings emphasize the need to consider generational preferences in the design and implementation of technologies to support active and healthy aging. Future research could explore the impact of specific design features on technology adoption and usage patterns across generations, and the long-term effects of technology interventions on various aspects of health and well-being.

The relatively low response rate, especially in younger generations, limits the generalizability of the findings. The online-based survey might have biased the sample toward technology-savvy individuals. The study also lacked detailed questions about respondents' actual use and prior experience with technology, including smart home technologies. Finally, predicting future technology preferences is inherently challenging, as circumstances and needs change over time.