Relationships between self-perceptions of aging and different technology-related factors : Availability, acceptance and competence.

BACKGROUND

Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) influence self-regulatory behavior, e.g., through technology use, but have rarely been linked to attitudes toward technology or technology competence in later life.

OBJECTIVE

To test predictions addressing associations between two SPA indicators, subjective age (SA), and gains-oriented and losses-oriented awareness of age-related change (AARC) and several technology-related factors (technology availability, technology acceptance, technology competencies), using baseline data from the i‑evAALution randomized controlled trial (RCT).

METHOD: The analytical sample consisted of 272 community-dwelling older adults aged 65-97 years (mean age 77.8 years; 70% women) assessed at baseline. Technology-related measures were based on established instruments.

RESULTS

Higher AARC gains, lower AARC losses, and a younger SA were related to greater technology availability, acceptance, and competence. In regression analyses including all SPA indicators and covariates. Only AARC gains consistently maintained positive associations with all technology-related factors.

CONCLUSION

The SPA may be important to consider in future technology education with older adults. Having a more positive awareness of one's own aging could help to accept technology and improve technology-related skills.