Acceptance of technological advancement in communication gadgets among geriatric population – A cross-sectional research

Abstract

In contemporary times, the utilization of electronic communication networks has emerged as a key means for disseminating information and facilitating health education. Web-based interventions have demonstrated effectiveness and acceptability among the geriatric population, hence serving as a potential means to persuade older persons to engage in interventions. The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which the elderly population accepts technological advancements in communication devices. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 300 individuals utilizing the simple random sampling approach. The study utilized the Technology Acceptance Survey among the geriatric population. The assessment employed in the recent investigation was designed to gather demographic data and assess participants' engagement with technology, self-rated computer knowledge, competence in internet skills, as well as their perception and willingness to utilize tele-rehabilitation. There are more men than women among the 300 subjects interviewed and were more from rural areas than from metropolitan ones. The majority of the subjects in the survey were native Tamil speakers (89.6%). The findings of this study indicate that greater percentage (49.4%) of the geriatric population surveyed reported using smart phones. Furthermore, a significant proportion of these individuals expressed a willingness to participate in a geriatric rehabilitation program. Finally, it was concluded that technological intervention in geriatrics aids in the promotion of telephysiotherapy, which enhances physiotherapy while lowering patient costs, hence improving patient satisfaction and establishing the scope of physiotherapy.