Acceptance of Information and Communication Technology and Its Related Factors among Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iran

Given the increasing elderly population and the decreasing role of families in elderly care, the use of up-to-date technologies by older adults will become increasingly important in helping them live healthier and better lives. This study aimed to determine the acceptance of information and communication technology (ICT) by older adults and related factors in Yazd city, Iran.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 with the participation of 360 older adults aged over 60 years from comprehensive health care centers in Yazd city, Iran. Participants were selected using a multi-stage random sampling method. Data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire and an Information and Communication Technology Acceptance Questionnaire completed by interview. Data were analyzed using descriptive indices, independent two-sample t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and regression by SPSS.

The ICT acceptance rate among older adults was 22.5%. The highest mean score was related to the dimension of perceived usefulness (15.37). The most significant barriers to ICT acceptance were lack of interest (48.6%), lack of sufficient skills (46.4%), and lack of perceived need (45.3%). The regression results showed that age, level of education, smartphone use, and time spent on technology tools were predictors of ICT acceptance by older adults, accounting for 82% of the variance in ICT acceptance.

Given the low level of technology acceptance among older adults in Yazd city and the need to learn and use ICT to meet their individual, social, health, and medical needs, as well as to live a more independent life and save time and costs, providing older adults with the opportunity to become familiar with technology is essential.