Barriers Older Adults Face with Technology by Madison Jordan

Abstract

Purpose: Exploring barriers older adults have with technology is a mixed methods study that investigates problems and solutions to the challenge older adults have with technology.

Background: Primary researcher, Madison Jordan is advised by faculty members from the university of North Carolina at Charlotte, Dr. Meredith Troutman-Jordan and Ms. Latonya Rafe. This study used participants from a retirement community in Charlotte North Carolina.

Methods: Independent living residents were sent a survey in the mail that assesses their self-efficacy, prior experience, support system, desire, and problem areas, in regard to the campus wide health promotion software. Residents had two weeks to complete and turn in the survey. Once all 145 results were analyzed, participants had a higher self-efficacy level than expected of 7.92 on a 1-10 scale.

Results: Positive correlations were identified between self-efficacy and prior experience with a computer (r .384), iPad/tablet (r .412), and a smart phone (r .473). The survey also showed that residents use campus IT more for technology problems as opposed to family or fellow residents. Participants receiving support from campus IT reported the highest average self-efficacy. There was a negative correlation with self-efficacy and the desire to use technology more (r -.309), suggesting that the more confident a resident is in using the technology, the less likely they are to have a desire to use it. Participants also struggled significantly more with navigating within the app than accommodations such as font size and brightness.

Conclusion: In conclusion, administration was satisfied by the high self-efficacy scores and success of campus IT.

Presentation

Biography

Originally born in Rockingham North Carolina, Madison Jordan Is a senior nursing student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a member of the SON honors college, Zeta Tau Alpha, and the Association of Nursing Students. Madison will graduate in December of 2023 and will be working at the NSICU at Carolinas Medical Center- Main. Through college, she has worked as a CNA at a nursing home and a part-time nanny. She plans to continue her career in critical care and return to school to work towards becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Madison loves working with older adults and would like to specialize in geriatrics.

Faculty Committee Advisor(s)

Meredith Troutman-Jordan, PHD, PMHCNS-BC

LaTonya Rafe, MSN, RN