Modeling computer interest in older adults: The role of age, education, computer knowledge, and computer anxiety

We proposed a mediation model to examine the effects of age, education, com puter knowledge, and computer anxiety on computer interest in older adults. We hypothesized that computer knowledge and computer anxiety would fully m ediate the effects of age and education on computer interest. A sample of 3 30 older adults from local senior-citizen apartment buildings completed a s urvey that included an assessment of the constructs included in the model. Using structural equation modeling, we found that the results supported the hypothesized mediation model. In particular, the effect of computer knowle dge operated on computer interest through computer anxiety The effect of ag e was not fully mitigated by the other model variables, indicating the need for future research that identifies and models other correlates of age and computer interest. The most immediate application of this research is the finding that a simple 3-item instrument can be used to assess computer inte rest in older populations. This will help professionals plan and implement computer services in public-access settings for older adults. An additional application of this research is the information it provides for training p rogram designers.