Understanding gerontechnological anxiety: the roles of self-perceived health, control beliefs, and COVID-19 fear in older adults

Abstract

Purpose: This research seeks to explore the psychological factors that influence older adults' adoption of gerontechnology; focusing specifically on the impact of self-perceived health, fear of COVID-19, and control beliefs on gerontechnological anxiety. By understanding these relations, the research seeks to provide insights into the barriers older adults face when engaging with technology and offer strategies to promote digital inclusion for this demographic. Participants and Methods: The study involves older adults aged 60 and above. Data were collected through surveys and interviews that assess self-perceived health, anxiety toward technology (gerontechnological anxiety), fear of COVID-19, and control beliefs. Statistical analyses, including mediation modelling by Baron and Kenny (1986), and moderation analysis was employed to investigate the relations between these variables. Results: Results suggest a significant positive relationship between poor self-perceived health and gerontechnological anxiety. The study also found that fear of COVID-19 and control beliefs act as mediators in this relationship. Moderation analyses showed that fear of COVID-19 did not significantly moderate the relationship, while control beliefs did buffering the effect of poor self-perceived health on gerontechnological anxiety. Conclusion: The findings highlight the psychological barriers that older adults face in adopting gerontechnology. Specifically, self-perceived health, fear of COVID-19, and control beliefs contribute to gerontechnological anxiety, making it harder for older adults to engage with digital solutions. The study suggest ways to address these psychological factors through targeted interventions to help reduce gerontechnological anxiety, and encourage the adoption of technologies to enhance health and quality of life for older adults.