Doro Report: Seniors Show High Interest in Technology but Low Adoption Rates
A new report by Doro reveals that while 50 percent of British seniors are excited by new technology, only 12 percent utilize tech-enabled personal aids.
A significant gap exists between seniors' interest in new technology and their ability to adopt and use it, according to a new report from Doro, a company specializing in telephony for an aging population. The research, conducted across Europe and involving over 1,000 UK seniors, found that half of British seniors (50 percent) are enthusiastic about technology's potential to aid their daily lives.
Despite this keen interest, actual adoption of tech-enabled personal aids, such as safety alarms, health apps, and sensors, remains low, with only 12 percent of respondents having integrated these tools. The report, titled "From walking frame to robots – a report about seniors and technology," highlights that while living independently at home is a priority for 98 percent of seniors, many experience insecurity (15 percent) related to self-care, burglary, forgetting things, or falls.
New technologies like smart home solutions could bolster seniors' confidence and security. The study indicates a high level of trust, with 33 percent fully trusting smart home solutions and another 30 percent partially trusting them. In practice, however, usage is minimal, even though current users report enhanced safety benefits, with 46 percent stating their technical tools provide increased security. "We have a strong belief that technology, if well designed, can improve seniors' safety and give them a better and more independent life," said Robert Puskaric, CEO of Doro. He stressed the industry's responsibility to develop user-friendly solutions and educate seniors.
The report also touched upon seniors' views on healthcare digitalization. While concerns about reduced human contact and complexity exist, a substantial portion remains positive, with 42 percent of European seniors viewing the embrace of technology in healthcare favorably, compared to 27 percent in the UK. In response to these findings, Doro is launching a new safety alarm service, Response by Doro, for select mobile phones, designed for ease of use and immediate connection to a response center.