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Abstract

There is a growing interest in the usage of smart speakers in various settings with older adults for improved quality of life and health. Residents who live within a low-income housing development may benefit from the use of smart speaker technology for creating a more engaging and healthier lifestyle. Because technology acceptance is critical; this study aims to examine smart speaker acceptance among low-income senior housing residents. A cross-sectional survey (n=46) was conducted to assess smart speaker acceptance, perceived usefulness, perceived ease, and privacy concerns. Individuals were recruited through varying methodologies, including group information sessions, sign-up sheets, word of mouth, contact cards, and fliers. Descriptive analysis indicated study participants were 51% male; 63% Black/African American, and 87% completed a high school degree/GED or less. The technology survey results indicated that 66% were smartphone users, 51% had laptops, 87% heard “of an Echo Dot or Alexa,” and 89% reported that a reminder of medical appointments would be helpful. Also, 96% agreed it would be helpful to use the smart speaker if they had fallen, to alert someone. Technology can be helpful to older adults living in low-income environments. Most study participants reported that a smart speaker would be helpful in the case of a fall and that it would be helpful to use as a medication reminder system. This research can be used as guidelines for designing smart speaker-based health interventions for older adults and is an important step towards understanding the perception of smart speaker technology.

Publication Date

2020

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Is Part Of

VCU Graduate Research Posters

Perceptions of Using Smart Speaker Technology for Improving the Health and Wellness of Older Adults Living in a Low-Income Community

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