Assessing Older Adults’ Intentions to Use a Smartphone: Using the Meta–Unified Theory of the Acceptance and Use of Technology

Cheng-Chia Yang, Cheng-Lun Li, Te-Feng Yeh and Yu-Chia Chang
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Cheng-Chia Yang: Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
Cheng-Lun Li: Department of Medical Research, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung 41265, Taiwan
Te-Feng Yeh: Department of Healthcare Administration, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung 40601, Taiwan
Yu-Chia Chang: Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 9, 1-14

Abstract: Barriers to smartphone use often exist among older adults, and increasing smartphone use is beneficial to increasing older adults’ quality of life. Studies of older adults’ smartphone use intentions have mostly adopted the technology acceptance model or unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). However, these models have their limitations. A meta-UTAUT has been developed, but it has not been extensively verified with older adults. This study used the meta-UTAUT model to explore the influences on older adults’ smartphone use intentions and behaviors. A total of 311 adults aged 60 to 75 years who had minimal experience with smartphones were recruited. They participated in a 16 h smartphone training and then completed a questionnaire. The results demonstrated that the meta-UTAUT model can predict older adults’ smartphone use intentions and behaviors. Performance expectancy (PE) and social influence significantly influenced behavioral intention (BI) and attitude toward using smartphones (AT). PE was the strongest factor influencing BI. AT also affected BI. Although facilitating conditions did not significantly affect BI, they had a high influence on AT. To increase smartphone use among older adults, training can be implemented to teach smartphone skills and emphasize the benefits of using smartphones.

Keywords: meta-UTAUT; older adults; behavioral intention; smartphone (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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