A Framework for Understanding how Older Adults Build Confidence in Technology Use

Older adults are constantly challenged to keep up with the accelerating pace of technology development. Research indicates that confidence significantly influences the technology use and choices of older adults. However, there is a lack of understanding of how confidence in technology use among older adults can grow over time and what kind of support is needed to achieve this. Our research explores observable behaviour as confidence begins to develop. We collected data during weekly technology group activities at a residential care facility over 18 months, involving 15 participants. This article presents the development of the Confidence in Technology Use Framework and its subsequent validation. Using Framework Analysis, we developed the framework, consisting of three indicators that reflect older adults' growing confidence in using technology: (1) embracing proactive use of technology, (2) developing strategies to solve technology issues, and (3) striving for autonomy in technology use. The framework includes activities and feelings to explain and exemplify each indicator of confidence development. We validate the framework by aligning it with the supporting conditions of Social Learning Theory for the learning process. Our contribution is twofold. Firstly, the framework can guide practitioners in developing technology support for older adults living in residential care facilities. Secondly, the framework can help researchers identify and qualitatively evaluate confidence in technology use.