Technology and Aging: Acceptability, Accessibility and Affordability in USA and Nigeria: Implications for Counselling Practice

Abstract

This study adopted survey research design to investigate the acceptability, accessibility and affordability of new technology by older persons in communication and health-related issues. Participants were one thousand five hundred older adults aged 65-80 years made up 680 in New York City, USA reached through email and 820 in Abia State, Nigeria reached through visits to pension centers in the state. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. Data were collected using Technology and Aging: Acceptability, Accessibility and Affordability Questionnaire (TA4 Q) developed and validated by the researchers. Data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and t test. Findings by location showed that participants from both USA and Nigeria indicated that new technologies are acceptable and accessible but not affordable. There was a significant mean difference in the opinions of the participants by location leading to the rejection of the null hypotheses. It was thus concluded that most of the burgeoning technologies that will enhance graceful aging are acceptable and accessible but not affordable to both the developing and not-so-well-developed nations. A synergy among developers, distributors and users can ensure a triplewin situation. Implications for counseling practice were highlighted.