Diffusion of Technology: Frequency of Use for Younger and Older Adults

Katherine E. Olson, M. A. (2011). Diffusion of Technology: Frequency of Use for Younger and Older Adults. PubMed Central(36), 123-145. doi:10.1007/s12126-010-9077-9

​“General Computer Use: We first asked the general question, “Have you had experience with computers?” (yes or no). Not surprisingly, there was a significant difference between younger and older adults; X2 (1, N=679) = 64.25, p < .05, whereby 99 percent of the younger adults responded “yes” compared to 80 percent of the older adults.”

 This study asked for the participants to self-report the functions of a computer along with the peripherals and software that they use. This in contrast to the last study appears to be more robust and helpful in ascertaining information on this subject. The researchers concluded that the older subjects were not adverse to technology but instead slower to adopt the emerging technology that the younger subjects, in the exception of healthcare technologies where the older audience had more frequent use. (Katherine E. Olson, 2011)

Below are the graphs found in the study.