Influencing technology adoption by older adults

With the advent of a digital economy, an emphasis on digital products and services has emerged. Those who are not using current technologies will become excluded, however, from this revolution. Older adults represent one such group in danger of exclusion. In some cases, older adults have been disinterested in new technologies. In other cases, however, the technologies fail to take into consideration the strengths and weaknesses of older users that would promote this usability. This paper examines components of information search by younger and older adults. These are considered in terms of long-term implications of designing for older users, with current problems viewed as foreshadowing future trends.

Research highlights
► Strengths of older adults in solving Web search problems.
► Formulation of technology use by older adults based on cognitive abilities.
► Adoption by older adults requires technology that addresses needs and interests.
► Technology change will affect future generations of older adults.