Skip to main content

Advertisement

Springer Nature Link
Log in

An application of the technology acceptance model to the level of Internet usage by older adults

  • Long Paper
  • Published:
Universal Access in the Information Society Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this cross-sectional study, the principles of a technology acceptance model were used to identify variables related to the level of Internet usage by older adults. Community-dwelling older adults aged 60–88 years completed a postal questionnaire survey that elicited responses on the use of the Internet. Out of a sample of 592 older adults (236 males and 356 females), 50.7% used the Internet. A multiple linear regression analysis was carried out on the Internet users sample using the self-reported number of hours of Internet usage per week as the dependent variable. The results indicated that attitude toward using the Internet and good health status were statistically significant predictors of the level of Internet usage. A second multiple regression analysis using Internet activity as the dependent variable showed that attitude, usefulness, good health, and gender (males) were significant predictor variables.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. White, H., McConnell, E., Clipp, E., Bynum, L., Teague, C.: Surfing the net in later life: a review of the literature and pilot study of computer use and quality of life. J. Appl. Gerontol. 18(3), 358–378 (1999)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Karavidas, M., Lim, N.K., Katsika, S.L.: The effects of computers on older adults. Comput. Human Behav. 21, 697–711 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. National Statistics Online, 2008, http://www.statistics.gov.uk, accessed 20th March 2009

  4. Curran, K., Walters, N., Robinson, D.: Investigating the problems faced by older adults and people with disabilities in online environments. Behav. Inf. Technol. 26(6), 447–453 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Hart, T.A., Chaparro, B.S., Halcomb, C.G.: Evaluating websites for older adults: adherence to ‘senior-friendly’ guidelines and end-user performance. Behav. Inf. Technol 27(3), 191–199 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Freese, J., Rivas, S., Hargittai, E.: Cognitive ability and internet use among older adults. Poetics 34, 236–249 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Nayak, L., Priest, L., Stuart-Hamilton, I.: Website design attributes for retrieving health information by older adults: application of architectural criteria. Univ. Access. Inf. Soc. 5, 170–179 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Priest, L., Nayak, U.S.L., Stuart-Hamilton, I.: Website task performance by older adults. Behav. Inf. Technol. 26(3), 189–195 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Morris, A., Goodman, J., Brading, H.: Internet use and non-use: views of older adults. Univ. Access. Inf. Soc. 6(1), 43–57 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Fox, S. Older Americans and the internet. http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/117/report_display.asp (2004). Accessed 17th March 2009

  11. Huang, H.M., Liaw, S.S.: Exploring users’ attitudes and intentions toward the web as a survey tool. Comput. Hum. Behav. 21, 729–743 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. McGuire, W.J.: Attitudes and attitude change. In: Lindsey, G., Aronson, E. (eds.) Handbook of social psychology, 3rd edn, pp. 233–246. Random House, NY (1985)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Zhang, Y.: Development and validation of an internet use attitude scale. Comput. Educ. 49, 243–253 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Davis, F.D.: Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Q. 13(3), 319–340 (1989)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Bruner, G.C., Kumar, A.: Explaining consumer acceptance of handheld internet devices. J. Bus. Res. 58, 553–558 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Moon, J.W., Kim, Y.G.: Extending the TAM for a world-wide-web context. Inf. Manag. 38, 217–230 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Seyal, A.H., Pijpers, G.G.M.: Senior government executives’ use of the internet: a Bruneian scenario. Behav. Inf. Technol. 23(3), 197–210 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Shih, H.P.: Extended technology acceptance model of internet utilization behaviour. Inf. Manag. 41, 719–729 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Mahmood, M.A., Burn, J.M., Gemoets, L.A., Jacquez, C.: Variables affecting information technology end-user satisfaction: a meta-analysis of the empirical literature. Int. J. Hum. Comput. Stud. 52, 751–771 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. DiMaggio, P., Hargittai, E., Celeste, C., Shafer, S.: Digital inequality: from unequal access to differentiated use. In: Neckerman, K. (ed.) Social inequality, pp. 355–400. Russell Sage Foundation, New York (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  21. Lenhart, A., Horrigan, J.: Re-visualizing the digital divide as a digital spectrum. IT Soc. 1, 23–39 (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  22. Nayak, U.S.L.: Elders-led design. Ergon. des. 1(1), 8–13 (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  23. Birmingham University Ethical Code of Practice. http://www.ppd.bham.ac.uk/policy/cop/code8.htm (2002)

  24. Cronbach, L.J.: Coefficient alpha and the internal structure tests. Psychometrika 16, 297–334 (1951)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Nunnally, J.C., Berstein, I.H. Psychometric theory, 3rd edn. McGraw (1994)

  26. Holt, D.T., Crocker, M.: Prior negative experiences: their impact on computer training outcomes. Comput. Educ. 35, 295–308 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Martínez-Torres, M.R., Toral Marín, S.L., Barrero García, F., Gallardo Vázquez, S., Arias Olivac, M., Torres, T.: A technological acceptance of e-learning tools used in practical and laboratory teaching, according to the European higher education area. Behav. Inf. Technol. 27(6), 495–505 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Durndell, A., Haag, Z.: Computer self efficacy, computer anxiety, attitudes towards the internet and reported experience with the Internet, by gender, in an East European sample. Comput. Hum. Behav. 18, 521–535 (2002)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Papastergiou, M., Solomonidou, C.: Gender issues in Internet access and favourite internet activities among Greek high school pupils inside and outside school. Comput. Educ. 44, 377–393 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Liaw, S.S.: An Internet survey for perceptions of computers and the World Wide Web: relationship, prediction, and difference. Comput. Hum. Behav. 18, 17–35 (2002)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Demiris, G., Rantz, M.J., Aud, M.A., Marek, K.D., Tyrer, H.W., Skubic, M., Husam, A.A.: Older adults’ attitudes towards and perceptions of ‘smart home’ technologies: a pilot study. Inform. Health. Soc. Care. 29(2), 87–94 (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  32. Hartwick, J., Barki, H.: Explaining the role of user participation in information systems use. Manage. Sci. 40(4), 440–465 (1994)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support given by the Health Foundation, London, United Kingdom, to carry out this research.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Applied Gerontology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

    Laxman U. S. Nayak

  2. University of Birmingham, Unit of Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, 90 Vincent Drive Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SP, UK

    Lee Priest

  3. Statistical Advisory Service, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

    Allan P. White

Authors
  1. Laxman U. S. Nayak
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

  2. Lee Priest
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

  3. Allan P. White
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lee Priest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Nayak, L.U.S., Priest, L. & White, A.P. An application of the technology acceptance model to the level of Internet usage by older adults. Univ Access Inf Soc 9, 367–374 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-009-0178-8

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-009-0178-8

Keywords