This city-commissioned study examined ICT use among older adults, focusing on both users and non-users to identify barriers and unmet needs. Quantitative surveys (n=1,000) and smartphone workshops (n=30) revealed that non-users cited cognitive, physical, and economic difficulties as the main reasons for not planning to use ICT. For current users, the most common issues were terminology, followed by functionality, spam, and security, suggesting that software usability poses greater challenges than hardware. These findings led to actionable recommendations for improving digital literacy and accessibility through tailored support and hands-on learning initiatives.
Smartphone usage by age (Yes: blue, No: red, Not now: pink, Never: khaki)
Problems Top 3: 1. terminology, 2. function, 3. spam & notification
grant
Iwate Prefectural University, Regional Collaboration Research: Stage 1, Analysis of issues of forming a regional ICT support organization to provide digital support to older adults. Investigator(s): Miho Nishizaki, PI., Jun Sasaki, and Morioka city.