The Study of Digital Technology Preparation for the Aging Society

Abstract

The study reported in this article sought to examine approaches in preparing digital technology among elderlies in an aging society. The study investigated three objectives: (1) to study the influence of family-driven factors on perceived usefulness (2) to study the influence of family-driven factors, perceived usefulness, and continuous support on behavioral intention to use, and (3) to study the mediating effect of perceived usefulness on the relationship between family-driven factors and behavioral intention to use. The research methodology was quantitative by collecting questionnaires via mobile phone and communication applications from a sample domiciled in the southern region of Thailand. The sample size was determined using Cochran's formula for 400 samples. The data were analyzed using regression analysis. Model suitability testing with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mediating effect test with Sobel Test.    

                 The results showed that (1) family-driven factors had a statistically significant influence on perceived usefulness (ß = .433; Std.Error = .043; p = .000) at a 99% confidence level. (2) Family-driven factors (ß = .341; Std.Error = .054; p = .000) perceived usefulness (ß = .590; Std. Error = .052; p = .000) and continuous support (ß = .179; Std.Error = .055; p = .001) significantly influenced the behavioral intention to use statistically, at a 99 percent confidence level, and (3) perceived usefulness had a statistically significant influence on the relationship between family force and behavioral intention to use (ßFF-PU). = .433; SEFF-PU = .043, ßPU-BIU = .539; SEPU-BIU = .058; P-valueSobel-Test = .000) at a 99 percent confidence level. The knowledge gained from this study will help the government determine the policies of digital technology preparation for the elderly by relying on their families to drive the elderly to see the benefits and have the continuous support that will encourage the elderly's behavioral intention to use the digital technology.