Acceptance of Technologies for Aging in Place: A Conceptual Model

Background Older adults want to preserve their health and autonomy stay in own home environment for as long possible. This is also of interest policy makers who try cope with growing staff shortages increasing care expenses. Ambient assisted living (AAL) technologies can support the desire independence aging place. However, implementation these much slower than expected. has been attributed lack focus on user acceptance needs. Objective The aim this study develop a theoretically grounded understanding AAL among older compare relative importance different factors. Methods A conceptual model was developed using theory planned behavior theoretical starting point. web-based survey 1296 conducted Netherlands validate model. Structural equation modeling used analyze hypothesized relationships. Results Our showed good fit observed data (root mean square error approximation 0.04; standardized root residual 0.06; comparative index 0.93; Tucker-Lewis 0.92) explained 69% variance intention use. All but 2 paths were significant at P<.001 level. Overall, relatively open idea future (mean 3.34, SD 0.73). Conclusions contributes more user-centered discourse research. Understanding underlying behavioral, normative, control beliefs that contribute decision use or reject helps developers make informed design decisions based users’ needs concerns. These insights factors be valuable broader field eHealth development implementation.