TY  - JOUR
AU  - Lee, Shinduk
AU  - Ory, Marcia G
AU  - Vollmer Dahlke, Deborah
AU  - Smith, Matthew Lee
PY  - 2024
DA  - 2024/5/1
TI  - Technology Use Among Older Adults and Their Caregivers: Cross-Sectional Survey Study
JO  - JMIR Aging
SP  - e50759
VL  - 7
KW  - technology
KW  - caregiving
KW  - social determinants of health
KW  - health disparities
KW  - disparity
KW  - disparities
KW  - caregiver
KW  - caregivers
KW  - carers
KW  - technology use
KW  - usage
KW  - gerontology
KW  - geriatric
KW  - geriatrics
KW  - older adult
KW  - older adults
KW  - elder
KW  - elderly
KW  - older person
KW  - older people
KW  - ageing
KW  - aging
KW  - cross-sectional
KW  - survey
KW  - surveys
KW  - computer use
KW  - device
KW  - devices
KW  - adoption
KW  - dyad
KW  - dyads
AB  - Background: Informal caregivers are called upon to provide substantial care, but more needs to be known about technology use among older adult and caregiver dyads. Objective: This study described technology use among older adults and their caregivers, explored potential correlates of technology use, and highlighted implications for practice. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among unpaid caregivers of older adults (n=486). Primary outcomes were self-reported technology (devices and functions) use among caregivers and their oldest care recipient. The concordance of technology use among caregivers and care recipients was also examined. Multivariable regression models were conducted separately for caregivers and care recipients. Results: Greater proportions of caregivers used all examined technologies, except for the medication alerts or tracking function, than care recipients. Caregivers used an average of 3.4 devices and 4.2 functions, compared to 1.8 devices and 1.6 functions used by their care recipients. Among caregivers, younger age, higher income, and higher education were associated with more technology use (P<.05). Among care recipients, younger age, not having cognitive dysfunction, and caregiver’s technology use were associated with more technology use (P<.05). Conclusions: Understanding technology use patterns and device adoption across diverse caregiver and care recipient populations is increasingly important for enhancing geriatric care. Findings can guide recommendations about appropriate technology interventions and help providers communicate and share information more effectively with patients and their caregivers. 
SN  - 2561-7605
UR  - https://aging.jmir.org/2024/1/e50759
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2196/50759
DO  - 10.2196/50759
ID  - info:doi/10.2196/50759
ER  -