Analysis from Social Work of the barriers and facilitators of technological adoption in older adults: a systematic literature review

Abstract

There is growing concern in social work regarding the provision of comprehensive and high-quality care for older adults which demands an exploration of their interests in information and communication technologies and how these technologies could meet their needs. The objective of this study is to determine how scientific literature addresses the experiences of older adults as a diverse population group regarding the use of technology based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) via a systematic review using the PRISMA method. The review differentiates between enabling factors and barriers that influence older adults’ use and acceptance of technology from their own perspective. It provides social workers with a comprehensive overview of the effective use of technologies that cater to the needs of older adults and their families and enables them to identify general guidelines in order to bridge the intergenerational digital divide to enhance the personal and communal autonomy of older adults.