Handbook of the Psychology of Aging (Eighth Edition)

We review recent data and theory about technology adoption and acceptance by older adults, focusing on information and communications technology (ICT), digital gaming, and social networking sites. Representative data in developed countries indicate that older adult cohorts lag in ICT use, including Internet use, despite apparent benefits that some products may provide. The lag is particularly noticeable in digital gaming and social networking. Theories of technology acceptance and adoption suggest that this lag may be attributable to cost–benefit factors such as perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Other factors that may differentially affect older cohorts are concerns about privacy loss as well as cognitive, perceptual and psychomotor costs. The accelerating digital provision of services may disadvantage non-participating seniors. Those who design ICT products and their training and support packages could benefit from improved theories of ICT adoption and supporting tools to produce usable and useful products for seniors.