Research on the Influencing Factors of Gerontechnology Acceptance by Seniors:A Case Study of Beijing Elderly Citizens

Based on the framework of social cognition theory,this paper proposed a systematic gerontechnology acceptance model for older people from both environmental and personal factors.Taking the Beijing senior citizens as an example,we used questionnaire survey data analysis and structural equation modeling methods to conduct empirical research that explores the factors affecting the willingness of the Beijing senior citizens to use gerontechnology and to examine the relationships among these factors.Results show that–in terms of personal factors–self-satisfaction,perceived usefulness and cognitive ability have a significant positive impact on the elderly’s intended uptake of gerontechnology;in terms of environmental factors,social influence not only directly affects the elderly’s intended use,but these elements can also shape the proposed use by influencing personal factors.We noted that facilitating conditions have only an indirect effect on the way of older people’s plan to use gerontechnology.The results confirmed the rationality and effectiveness of applying social cognition theory to study the behavior of seniors’acceptance of gerontechnology.Based on the research results,we proposed some suggestions to promote better research and development of gerontechnology for the elderly in Beijing.

Technology for Elderly with Memory Impairment and Wandering Risk

Objective:The main objective of this project was to studyhow to secure the wandering of elderly persons diagnosed with dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease by using healthcare technologies. Methods:The study was carried out during a three-year period (2008-2011) in the region of South Ostrobothnia, Finland. Thirty-two elderly persons living at home and diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease participated in the study. The ages of the intervention group ranged from 66 to 90 years;the average age was 81 years. A total of 63 different home care devices including 24 location based technologies were tested during the intervention.The choice of technology used was based on the individual needs of the elderly person. Results:Participants with mild stage memory impairment were able to use and benefit from the technology installed during the intervention to live more independently.The most useful devices were those that operated within the home. Nine of ten users of door alarm systems, five of nine users of GPS systems and all users of GSM systems were satisfied with the technologies. Conclusions:Location based alarm and access control technology can have a positive impact on the lives of elderly persons suffering from dementia. When chosen appropriately, technology can help to reduce or eliminate the wandering often associated with dementia.Regardless of the technology used, it should be installed when the elderly person is at the early stages of dementia;at later stages of the disease it is usually impossible for the elderly to adequately adopt the device.