Abstract
Technology enriches and enhances our everyday lives and can support health, wellbeing, and productivity. Unfortunately, barriers exist that prevent many older adults from taking full advantage of the potential of technology. The Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) is dedicated to understanding and overcoming barriers to technology use so these benefits can be realized by everyone, regardless of age. This symposium will focus on technology to support older adults and factors related to older adult technology use and adoption in a variety of contexts. W. Rogers will present an overview of older adult technology use derived from representative U.S. samples and important factors influencing technology adoption. W. Boot will discuss the critical role of technology proficiency in adoption and how to quickly and easily assess proficiency with respect to desktop and tablet-based computers in older adult samples. In the domain of work, J. Sharit will discuss the implications of rapid changes in technology for older workers, and the promises and pitfalls of technology in the workplace. In the domain of medicine, N. Charness will present studies related to the successful adoption of telehealth devices in different populations (healthy older adults and older adults with heart failure). S. Czaja will present CREATE data related to the potential of technology to support social engagement and support for older adults at risk for social isolation. Discussant C. Quinn will highlight common themes across talks and provide additional insight into the potential of technology.