Aging & Social Change: Tenth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

With the shift of Baby Boomers into the 65+ demographic beginning, learning more about the relationship older adults have with technology could help when resources begin to deplete. Technology is one way to aid in that depletion of resources. This systematic review of the literature looked at five databases, reviewing peer-reviewed journals for original research that looked at the relationship between motivation (specifically self-determination theory), technology use, and the older adult (60+) demographic. After applying the inclusion criteria, 30 articles were included for full review. Findings showed that existing research is heavily intrinsically motivated as it relates to older adults and technology use. Tablets and training programs were also heavily focused on in current research. Communication with friends and family and self-efficacy were two top environmental factors influencing motivation. Going forward, researchers should focus closer on self-determination theory as it relates to older adults and technology use and incorporate more elements of andragogy along with expanding technology beyond a singular device (specifically tablets) or program.