Colors of Aging: Cross-cultural Perception of Lifelogging Technologies in Older Age

摘要

Within an aging society, characterized by increasing numbers of older people in need of assistance and care with a simultaneous shortage of professional caregivers, new ways and innovations have to be developed to facilitate life in older age. Assisting lifelogging technologies have the potential to support older and frail people, but also caregivers in their everyday lives. These assisting lifelogging technologies require the acceptance of future users to reach a sustainable adoption. As research has focused mostly on country-specific analyses so far, a cross-cultural and -national investigation of users' lifelogging technology acceptance in older age is necessary. Therefore, an online survey study (N = 1123) examined perceptions regarding aging, care, and lifelogging technology usage, focusing on the perspective of potential users originated from five different countries: Germany, Sweden, Canada, Italy, and Spain. The results revealed significant differences between the countries regarding attitudes towards aging and care as well as perceptions and acceptance of lifelogging technologies. The insights identify the cultural background of potential users as a relevant impacting parameter and should be considered when technologies are developed and tailored to the needs of specific user groups.