Psychological barriers of using wearable devices by seniors: A mixed-methods study

Wearable devices have several benefits for the fast-growing senior adult population. However, the adoption rate of these devices by seniors is low and our understanding of their attitudes and behaviors is limited. This study explored the psychological barriers that influenced seniors' attitudes and intentions to use wearable devices by conducting mixed-methods research. Forty four members of the senior population were interviewed prior to and subsequent to using wearable devices. Next, a quantitative study was conducted using an online survey with 321 valid responses to confirm the qualitative study's findings. The results showed that perceived complexity and uncertainty were the most significant barriers that negatively impacted seniors' attitudes about their decisions to use wearable devices. Surprisingly, the results showed that perceived disability positively impacted seniors' attitudes about using wearable devices. These results provide interesting implications for both theory and practice.