Predicting elderly users' intention of digital payments during COVID-19: an extension of the theory of planned behavior model

Purpose Promoting the adoption of digital payments by the elderly plays an important role in the development of the digital economy. The purpose of this study is to build an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model to predict the elderly's intention to pay for digital services under COVID-19 epidemic constraints. Design/methodology/approach Based on the extended TPB model, 320 qualified participants were recruited on the network. The structural equation model was tested using the SmartPLS3.3 tool, and the moderation effects were tested through SPSS26 and the Process macro. Findings The results showed that the three dimensions of TPB theory, the basic elements (perceived value and perceived risk), and the external environment (COVID-19 pandemic) were important factors that influence the elderly users' intention to adopt digital payments. Further research found that motivation factors (personal innovativeness, intergenerational support, and social support) can positively moderate these effects. Research limitations/implications The results of the study provide a further explanation for understanding the willingness of elderly people to adopt digital payments during the COVID-19 pandemic and bring inspiration to system developers and social managers to reduce the risk of COVID-19 pandemic and increase the share of digital payments for this category. Originality/value This paper used the extended TPB theory to construct a fundamental environmental motivation (FEM) framework for understanding the main influencing factors of elderly users' intention to adopt digital payments during the COVID-19 pandemic.