JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Assistive technologies can support independent living among older adults, to help manage health and maintain independence, but uptake is often constrained by attitudes, confidence, and socio-economic factors. The COVID‑19 lockdowns accelerated technology use across all age groups, offering a natural experiment to examine changes in adoption.

Objective:

This study aimed to examine changing patterns of technology use in older adults, to provide insight as to how service providers can support the use of technology to enhance resident independence and well-being.

Methods:

Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in UK retirement villages operated by a single housing provider, one immediately before the pandemic (2020, n=1707 across 19 sites) and one after lockdowns were lifted (2023, n=45 at one site), assessing technology confidence, device ownership, internet use, and learning pathways. Semi-structured interviews with eight participants in a technology trial scheme provided qualitative depth. Integration followed a connecting approach, with quantitative findings identifying patterns and qualitative data contextualizing them.

Results:

Technology adoption increased significantly between 2020 and 2023, with older adults reporting greater confidence and comfort in digital use. Self‑education and informal support from family or friends were the most common pathways to adoption. Age‑related differences in confidence observed in 2020 were no longer apparent in 2023, although gender disparities persisted. Interviewees emphasized usefulness and accessibility as key drivers of sustained engagement. Findings demonstrate that the pandemic catalyzed lasting increases in technology adoption among older adults, including increased confidence and ownership.

Conclusions:

Findings demonstrate that the pandemic accelerated lasting increases in technology adoption among older adults, though these changes also reflect broader societal, technological, and community-level factors. The persistent gender gap in confidence likely reflects cumulative life-course disadvantages in workplace technology exposure. Technology provision for older adults appears most effective when embedded within the social fabric of a community. These results provide evidence for housing providers and policymakers to formalize peer support pathways, introduce health-related technology through trusted social relationships, and design support that aligns with how residents are actually learning.