Associations between Self-ageism, Self-efficacy and Engagement in Everyday Technology

Background: Access and ability to use everyday technologies, such as online-banking, e-health applications, ticket vending machines and remote controls, are crucial for engagement and participation in many daily life activities. Yet, research has shown that some older adults and especially older adults with disabilities are disadvantaged in accessing more complex everyday technologies, using these significantly less and showing greater difficulties in applying such technologies. Aside from barriers related to health, self-confidence, cost or design of the technology other potential explanations may be deeply rooted and widespread ageist or self-ageist assumptions related to older adults' technology use.

Objectives: This research explores for the first time whether lower levels of ageism and self-ageism are associated with higher everyday technology engagement. Further, this research investigates the potential mediating role of self-ageism of the relationship between ageism and everyday technologies.

Methodology: Analyses are based on the German Ageing Survey, a longitudinal population-based survey (n=6002) on middle-aged and older adults (40–85 years) conducted in the years 1996 and 2014. Linear regression and mediation analysis is applied.

Results and Implications: This project raises awareness to the negative consequences of ageism and self-ageism on engagement in everyday technology as part of daily life at home and in the community. Further, these findings may be a foundation for future empowerment-interventions in the context of technology use in older adults.