Telecare services for aging people: Assessment of critical factors influencing the adoption intention

The dimensions of telecare services are analyzed and contrasted to theories of behavioral intentions. Factors influencing the adoption of innovations are derived from target group specific factors and telecare features. We present results from an empirical study which interlinks users’ characteristics, technology and the intention to adopt technology based services. We examine customers above 55 years of age in terms of their physical, psychological and cognitive limitations. The central objective is to assess how these differences influence the potential usage of telecare services. A mail survey was conducted in a medium-sized city to collect data. The target population was slightly over 9000 persons of which a randomized sample (N = 1000) was gathered. A total of 506 usable responses were obtained for analysis. The results indicate that the adoption behavior of individuals differs amongst potential telecare users. Indeed, the behavioral patterns do not remain constant over time. Therefore, understanding the context of use has particular importance in the design phase of telecare services.

► We examine core factors influencing the adoption of telecare services in elderly segments.
► Healthy persons adopt telecare if onset of disablement is delayed.
► Greater physical restrictions cause the new services to be judged less reliable.
► Technology anxiety and restrictions diminishes perceived benefits from telecare.
► Intention to adopt telecare can be altered by correct training fitted to ones abilities.