Predictors of gerontechnology acceptance by older Hong Kong Chinese

The aim of this study was to examine the factors which influence the acceptance of gerontechnology by older Hong Kong Chinese. A research model based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was proposed. It was empirically tested by using survey data collected from 1012 seniors aged 55 and over in Hong Kong. A face to face interview technique with a preset questionnaire was employed to collect data and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used for data analysis. The proposed model could explain 55.4% of the variance in actual usage of gerontechnology. However, in contrast to TAM and UTAUT, significant effects for perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and attitude towards using on usage behavior were not found in this study. Personal attributes like technology self-efficacy and anxiety, and facilitating conditions were more decisive than perceived benefits for predicting gerontechnology usage behavior of Hong Kong older Chinese. The managerial implications generated from the results are discussed. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.