چكيده فارسي :
Objective: Smartphones are becoming the computing device of choice for many people. However, this change is not occurring evenly across the population. It appears to us that older people have just as much to gain from this technology, and possibly more, compared to younger people. We identified many potential motivations for smartphone use by the elderly, and also many obstacles. From this work we created a research framework which is the primary topic of this paper. A number of possible moderating variables were extrapolated as well. If seniors are going to benefit from mobile devices like the rest of the population, and if they are to become participants in the evolving world of m-commerce, mobile phones and services must pull seniors toward their use instead of driving them away. Only then will we be able to diminish the digital divide that exists between the young and the old, especially regarding smartphones.
Discussion: The older users show a keen interest in learning and using advancing technologies, however; they often do not feel fully equipped to do so. From the research conducted it has been seen that some older users are frequent users of modern technologies such as touchscreens and find this easier to use than systems which are generally perceived as more ‘simple’ systems such as key pads on a mobile phone. Technology advances show a change in interface design, making use easier for all users, in particular older people, yet this has not been developed to its full potential and still deters certain users from choosing to use products implementing these technologies. It is recommended that technology developers consider the needs and desires of older adults as a user group.
