Summary
Objectives:
With large predicted increases of the older adult (65 years and older) population,
researchers have been exploring the use of smart home information technologies (IT)
in residential care (RC) facilities to enhance resident quality of life and safety.
Older adults’ perceptions of privacy can inhibit their acceptance and subsequent adoption
of smart home IT.
Methods:
This qualitative study, guided by principles of grounded theory research, investigated
the relationship between privacy, living environment and willingness of older adults
living in residential care facilities to adopt smart home IT through focus groups
and individual interviews.
Results:
The findings from this study indicate that privacy can be a barrier for older adults’
adoption of smart home IT; however their own perception of their need for the technology
may override their privacy concerns. Privacy concerns, as a barrier to technology
adoption, can be influenced by both individual-level and community-level factors.
Conclusions:
Further exploration of the factors influencing older adults’ perceptions of smart
home IT need is necessary.
Keywords
Medical informatics - telemedicine - privacy - smart home technology - aged
