Technology use by older adults in the Netherlands and its associations with demographics and health outcomes

Authors Sigrid Vorrink, Angelo Antonietti, Helianthe Kort, Thierry Troosters, Pieter Zanen, Jan-Willem J. Lammers
Published in Assistive Technology
Publication date 2016
Research groups Technology for Healthcare Innovations
Type Article

Summary

Information and communications technology (ICT) has the potential to contribute to the quality of life of older adults. The aim of this study was to analyze the use of a broad array of ICT devices and services among Dutch older adults and to determine whether demographics and health outcomes are associated with this use. A questionnaire was dispensed among a group of Dutch older adults (≥65 years). A univariate analysis of covariance was used to analyse results. Two hundred ninety-one subjects filled out the questionnaire. Reported use of newer technologies was lower compared with older technologies. Increased age (p = 0.048, Confidence Interval [CI]: –0.73: –0.004), lower degree of education (p = 0.008, CI: –59.64: –5.59), birthplace outside of Europe (p = 0.024, CI: –21.99: –0.73), lower income (p = 0.005, CI: –46.44:25.38), less arthrosis of the hands (p = 0.042, CI: –1.38:21.11), and a lower physical functioning (p = 0.008, CI: 1.43:9.41) resulted in a lower ICT use score with an adjusted R2 of 0.311. Older adults are slower to adapt to newer technologies. It appears it is not the degree of physical restrictions, but rather the degree of adaptability to these restrictions that influence the use of ICT.

On this publication contributed

  • Helianthe Kort | Professor | Research group Technology for Healthcare Innovations
    Helianthe Kort
    • Professor
    • Research group: Technology for Healthcare Innovations

Language English
Published in Assistive Technology
Year and volume 29 4
Key words ICT, ouderen, kwaliteit van leven
Page range 188-196

Helianthe Kort

Helianthe Kort | Professor | Research group Technology for Healthcare Innovations

Helianthe Kort

  • Professor
  • Research group: Technology for Healthcare Innovations

Technology for Healthcare Innovations