Changing Technology Use, Confidence, and Support Needs Among Older Adults in United Kingdom Retirement Villages: Mixed Methods Study

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

Abstract Background Assistive technologies can support independent living among older adults, helping manage health and maintain independence, but uptake is often constrained by attitudes, confidence, and socioeconomic factors. The COVID-19 lockdowns accelerated technology use across all age groups, offering a natural experiment to examine changes in adoption. Objective This study aimed to examine changing patterns of technology use in older adults, to provide insight as to how service providers can support the use of technology to enhance resident independence and well-being. Methods Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in United Kingdom retirement villages operated by a single housing provider, one immediately before the pandemic (2020, n=1707 across 19 sites) and one after lockdowns were lifted (2023, n=45 at one site), assessing technology confidence, device ownership, internet use, and learning pathways. Semistructured interviews with 8 participants in a technology trial scheme provided qualitative depth. Integration followed a connecting approach, with quantitative findings identifying patterns and qualitative data contextualizing them. Results Technology adoption increased significantly between 2020 and 2023, with older adults reporting greater confidence ( M =2.29 to M =3.36; P