Characterizing the attitudes, proficiency, and usage patterns for daily technology among older adults with a cognitive impairment.
Xin Yao Lin, Walter Boot, Neil Charness and 2 others
PMID 39893628WHAT IT FOUND
Older adults with mild cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, or post-stroke cognitive impairment reported positive attitudes and proficiency with technology.
They used social and domestic tools most often, but transportation and leisure technologies least. Age was a barrier, while interest and comfort predicted usage.
Key findings
01Participants across all three cognitive impairment groups had positive attitudes toward technology and similar proficiency levels, with no significant differences between the groups.
02Technology usage was highest for social and domestic tasks, and lowest for transportation and leisure activities.
03Older age was associated with less frequent use of technology across multiple domains, whereas higher interest and comfort with technology predicted greater proficiency and use.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The sample required access to a computer or tablet and Zoom, which likely excluded older adults with lower technological proficiency or no internet, potentially overestimating the population's overall tech skills. The sample was predominantly White (78.5%) and highly educated (73.7% with a bachelor's degree or higher), limiting generalizability to more diverse populations. The study was cross-sectional, so it identifies associations between factors like age and technology use but cannot prove causation or track changes over time. Participants with severe motor impairments or dense aphasia were excluded, so the findings do not apply to patients with significant physical or communication barriers.
Declared interests
The authors reported no competing interests.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that all older adults with cognitive impairment are equally proficient with technology. The study participants were required to have internet access and the ability to use Zoom, which excludes those with lower tech literacy or severe disabilities. Real-world patients may face greater barriers than those reported here.