Relationships between self-perceptions of aging and different technology-related factors

BACKGROUND: Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) influence self-regulatory behavior, e.g., through technology use, but have rarely been linked to attitudes toward technology or technology competence in later life. OBJECTIVE: To test predictions addressing associations between two SPA indicators, subjective age (SA), and gains-oriented and losses-oriented awareness of age-related change (AARC) and several technology-related factors (technology availability, technology acceptance, technology competencies), using baseline data from the i‑evAALution randomized controlled trial (RCT). METHOD: The analytical sample consisted of 272 community-dwelling older adults aged 65-97 years (mean age 77.8 years; 70% women) assessed at baseline. Technology-related measures were based on established instruments. RESULTS: Higher AARC gains, lower AARC losses, and a younger SA were related to greater technology availability, acceptance, and competence. In regression analyses including all SPA indicators and covariates. Only AARC gains consistently maintained positive associations with all technology-related factors. CONCLUSION: The SPA may be important to consider in future technology education with older adults. Having a more positive awareness of one's own aging could help to accept technology and improve technology-related skills.