Adopting of Smartphone Technologies Amongst Older Adults in Windhoek, Namibia

Abstract

Recent technological advancements show that mobile phones are becoming an increasingly significant part of our daily lives. Older adults (OAs) [60+] constitute a key demographic for this study. This study aims to determine the features of smartphone technologies used by OAs in Windhoek and to analyse the possible factors that may influence their adoption as well as to assess OAs perceptions of smartphones. A quantitative research method was adopted. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 99 OAs in Windhoek through convenience sampling method. Data were analysed employing SPSS. The study revealed that OAs do not fully adopt smartphones. However, they believe that smartphones provide benefits such as giving entertainment and curbing loneliness. The findings suggest there is a relationship between the smart technology (ST) features and perceptions towards the adoption of STs by OAs in Windhoek. This study can educate smartphone manufacturers and developers about elements that should be considered when designing communication devices and applications for OAs.