Illuminating Privacy and Security Concerns in Older Adults’ Technology Adoption

Abstract Privacy and security are among the salient factors that prevent older adults from adopting information communication technologies. Using the original APCO model (Antecedents, Privacy Concern, Outcomes), we conducted a PRISMA review on older adults’ perceptions of technology. This commentary draws upon findings from the PRISMA review and then proposes expansions to the APCO framework. More specifically, we advance that technology type is an antecedent to privacy concerns that contribute to older adults’ willingness to use or adopt technology. We also aggregate specific privacy and security concerns that older adults expressed are barriers to their technology use. Because these concerns vary according to technology type, we highlight methodological challenges for consideration in future research that investigates contextual relationships between technology and privacy-related factors.