These components should be taken into account in defining the current and future roles of mobile applications in an aging society.。
3.。2.。 Mobile phone adoption by older people
It is usually thought that older people do not use mobile phones or their technology; they are considered“non technological persons”.。 Abascal and Civit stress that people trying to introduce technological advancements to help older citizens have to overcome some extended stereotypes: the lack of ability of the hypothetical users to handle complex devices and their unwillingness to accept them (“older people reject technology”, “technological devices are too difficult for older people to use”) (Abascal and Civit, 2001).。
Several recent studies refute these stereotypes.。 For instance, Conci points out that in the last few years, mobile phone usage by people over 60 has been growing rapidly.。 According to a survey, 58.。5% of the people in Italy between 65 and 74 years old and 26.。6% of those over 75 use a mobile phone, with a much higher growth trend in this age group than in others (Igbaria et al.。, 1997; Conci et al.。, 2009).。 In her work, Kurniawan (2007) explains that just like computers and the Internet, mobile phones are becoming common personal items for older persons.。 She refers to two studies with the following data: in early 2006, 60% of people aged 65–74 years old and 36% of people aged 75 years and over owned and used mobile phones in the UK.。 Actually, older people have a much higher adoption rate of mobile phones than of Internet usage.。 Many older persons use mobile phones in both leisure and work contexts (Kurniawan, 2007).。 Melander et al.。 (2007) found that elderly people tested in her study felt positive about the use of mobile services for safety; all of them had experience using mobile phones, and most of them used personal computers in their daily life, which might be the reason for their positive attitude.。 Oksman remarks that previously, seniors had many negative opinions on mobile communication, but lately, the attitudes have changed, and mobile usage has become a daily occurrence (for instance, in 2002, about 70% of Finns aged between 60 and 70 owned a mobile phone) (Oksman, 2006).。 Venkatesh concludes that the elderly, like anyone else, accept and adopt technology when it meets their needs and expectations (Venkatesh et al.。, 2003; Conci et al.。, 2009).。 Thus, the next step is to identify their needs and expectations.。
Oksman observed that seniors, at least in the early stages of mobile usage, appreciated the significance of the mobile phone as a tool to increase security.。 However, the significance of the mobile phone as a personal communication device has also increased.。 Usage immediately after purchasing a mobile phone is characterized by caution (only carrying it on special occasions).。 Later, the mobile phone is accepted in the activities of everyday life, and people are more inclined to take it with them as they leave the house.。 After the pressures of working life, contacts with friends and family often become more frequent.。 With the increased leisure time in retirement, hobbies and hobby related relationships may also increase communication (Oksman, 2006).。 In a similar way, Ling concludes that the primary reason for mobile telephone adoption includes its function as a safety link to others; indeed, this is often seen as its most useful function (Ling, 2008).。According to the same author, mobile communication is also an appropriate tool for the development and maintenance of friendships.。 In fact, the pressure to have a phone often comes from social interactions.。