Research Article
Issue Date: July/August 2018
Published Online: May 01, 2018
Updated: April 30, 2020
Activity Engagement and Everyday Technology Use Among Older Adults in an Urban Area
Ryan Walsh; Ruxandra Drasga; Jenica Lee; Caniece Leggett; Holly Shapnick; Anders Kottorp
Author Affiliations
  • Ryan Walsh, MA, is MSOT Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL; rwalsh3288@gmail.com
  • Ruxandra Drasga, MBA, is MSOT Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
  • Jenica Lee, OTD, OTR/L, is Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
  • Caniece Leggett, BS, is MSOT Student, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
  • Holly Shapnick, MS, OTR/L, is OTD Student, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
  • Anders Kottorp, PhD, OT Reg, is Professor and Dean, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
Article Information
Geriatrics/Productive Aging / Special Section: Research Articles
Research Article   |   May 01, 2018
Activity Engagement and Everyday Technology Use Among Older Adults in an Urban Area
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May 2018, Vol. 72, 7204195040. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.031443
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, May 2018, Vol. 72, 7204195040. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.031443
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. We investigated associations among activity engagement (AE), number of available and relevant everyday technologies, ability to use everyday technologies, and cognitive status among older adults in an urban area.

METHOD. This cross-sectional study included 110 participants and used three assessments: the Frenchay Activities Index to measure AE, the Everyday Technology Use Questionnaire to measure the number of and ability to use available and relevant everyday technologies, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment to measure cognitive status. Data analyses used a one-way analysis of variance and a multiple linear regression model.

RESULTS. The number of available and relevant everyday technologies was significantly different (p < .001) among groups that varied in level of AE. Ability to use everyday technologies did not significantly differ among groups. Cognitive status did not explain level of AE when the number of available and relevant everyday technologies was considered.

CONCLUSION. Increasing the accessibility of available and relevant everyday technologies among older adults in an urban area may increase AE.