Insights into Older Adults’ Technology Acceptance through Meta-Analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aims to provide a synthetic examination of the determinants of the behavioral intention (BI) of older adults to use technology and to investigate the moderating variables that contribute to heterogeneity in prior literature. This study is developed through meta-analysis involving 35 primary studies over 15 years. Results indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and social influence are substantially correlated with the BI of older adults to adopt technology. These determinants perform differently when regional disparity is considered, thereby suggesting a cross-cultural study in the future. Moreover, older adults’ willingness to use familiar technologies, such as smartphones, is strongest, whereas their acceptance of unfamiliar technologies, such as healthcare systems and devices, is likely affected by the three determinants. The synthesized results may benefit researchers in determining future research directions and decision makers in gerontechnology research and development and marketing.