JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The ageing population is experiencing more mobility limitations and functional impairments, prompting research into assistive technologies as solutions. These innovations aim to support the health, well-being, and independence of older adults and individuals with mobility challenges. Indoor mobility, vital for daily activities and independence, significantly impacts the lives of these individuals. However, restricted indoor mobility can negatively affect their quality of life and increase the risk of falls.

Objective:

This study aims to explore the influences of positive ageing perception, quality of life enhancement and social support on indoor assistive technology acceptance and readiness among older adults.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted at a gerontechnology laboratory. Participants were required to physically visit the laboratory. The session lasted approximately 60 minutes and consisted of participation in a demonstration of various indoor assistive technologies, as well as the completion of a questionnaire. The demonstrated assistive technologies included a wide range of devices. Participants' positive perceptions of ageing, quality of life enhancement, social support, technology acceptance, and technology readiness were assessed using validated scales. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and linear regression.

Results:

A total of 104 older adults aged 60 or above participated and completed the evaluations. The participants' mean age was 67.92 years. Regression analysis revealed that positive ageing perception was positively associated with attitudinal beliefs and gerontechnology confidence. Quality of life enhancement was positively associated with behavioural intention. However, social support showed negative associations with gerontechnology confidence and security. Notably, no significant relationships were found between positive ageing perception and control beliefs, behavioural intention, optimism, innovativeness, comfort, and security. Quality of life enhancement had no significant relationships with attitudinal beliefs, control beliefs, gerontechnology confidence, optimism, innovativeness, comfort, and security. Social support also had no significant associations with attitudinal beliefs, control beliefs, behavioural intention, optimism, innovativeness, and comfort.

Conclusions:

This study sheds light on the factors influencing older adults' acceptance and readiness to adopt assistive technologies in an indoor setting. The findings underscore the significance of cultivating positive ageing perceptions and emphasising quality of life enhancement through these technologies. It is crucial to address concerns related to gerontechnology confidence, security, and social support to foster greater acceptance and readiness for technology use among older adults. Further research is needed to delve into the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted interventions that promote successful technology adoption in this population. These insights provide valuable guidance for researchers and practitioners seeking to enhance older adults' well-being and quality of life in the digital age. Clinical Trial: N/A