Factors affecting the adoption and use of mobile devices and services by elderly people – results from a pilot study

We describe in this paper a pilot study for identifying factors that determine the adoption and usage of mobile devices and services by elderly population. The elderly are an often neglected group in product development and marketing, but they are the only growing age group in most developed societies. Based on UTAUT and using semi-structured interviews with a number of different stakeholders interested in elderly people, we identify a set of issues that need to be taken into account when designing technology and services for the elderly. The results of our study indicate that elderly people are interested in using mobile phones and services, but these services need to deliver real value for them. This value is pronounced in form of more social, active, meaningful and independent life.