Possibilities and acceptance of mobile information technologies for the elderly - first results of an empirical study.
This paper summarizes the results of a questionnaire-study conducted for the project "Safe and mobile through accompanying assistance systems" (SIMBA) founded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The study analyzes the mobility requirements and obstacles of the 55 yearold and older seniors in three age-groups (N=210) to develop suitable health-enabling technologies. It focuses on the mobility of the elderly on foot, by public transport, by bicycle and by taxi. The usage and the acceptance of existing mobile devices are determined, to select a suitable terminal for assistance systems. The results show, that although public transport is a very important way of travelling for seniors, its role decreases with higher age. Above the age of 65 years only a small fraction of seniors uses new communication technologies. This implies that smartphones as mobility aids are only suitable for the youngest group of seniors and for future, perhaps more technology-friendly generations.
University of Braunschweig, Institute for Psychology.
Ildikó
I
Szarvas
Manuela
M
Nitsch
Oliver
O
Lambacher
Jürgen
J
Howe
Nina
N
Reichwaldt
Tobias
T
von Bargen
Reinhold
R
Haux
D000368:Aged; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003197:Computer Literacy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017216:Telemedicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*