Psychological factors that affect the acceptance and need for ICT services for older adults with chronic diseases

Background: To encourage older adults with chronic disease to use information and communications technology (ICT) services effectively, it is necessary to identify users' needs and factors affecting acceptance.Objective: To identify the psychological factors affecting the acceptance of ICT services, and the service-related preferences/priorities in home-dwelling South Korean older adults.Method: We conducted focus group interviews with 2 groups of older adults (6 males and 6 females, age = 65-75 years) with chronic diseases in June 2019.To identify which services they prioritized, we made 20 service show cards, scored on a 5-point Likert scale.Additionally, we utilized a self-developed semi-structured interview guide based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 3 model (UTAUT3) to comprehensively identify how the factors affect older adults' acceptance.Results: Most participants prioritized their autonomy and worried about being dependent on ICT services.They were also reluctant to learn about and use new technology; feared the social stigma related to "being old"; and were anxious that the use of ICT services could result in deepened isolation.There was ambivalence regarding the impact of ICT services on connection with family/acquaintances.The prioritized services were emergency assistance (e.g., notifying family in case of emergencies), diet and exercise-related information, and medication reminders.Service needs and psychological factors affecting the acceptance differed by gender. Conclusion:The ICT services offered to the elderly should be developed in a way that guarantees autonomy and supports self-reliance.Services must also ensure the enhancement of social networks and maintenance of connectedness with family.Older people have a fear of learning new services; so, personal guidance and tailored education need to be offered.Further, service development must reflect the diverse needs of each user.