Aging, technology, and psychology: Models of assistive device use viewed from an action-theoretical perspective on lifespan development

Many older people suffer from functional declines and activity limitations, which reduce
their autonomy and quality of life. Assistive technologies (ATs) could dampen such
effects. However, many older people do not use ATs and it is important to understand,
why they give away their benefits. In this article, we look at older peoples´ use of ATs
from an action perspective on human development elaborated by Brandtstädter and
colleagues. We review from this viewpoint models of AT use created mostly in
information systems technology, business administration, and management sciences.
The major focus is on the extent to which these models consider the relevant internal
(mental) and external context of AT use, possible action alternatives, and autonomous,
vicarious, and joint modes of decision-making about ATs use. Systematic literature
searches in PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar led us to 23 models. None of
them contained as central variables any perceived discrepancies between the actual
and desired developmental situation or any goals to reduce these discrepancies. No
model included action alternatives to AT use beyond non-use such as trying harder on
oneself, making environmental adaptations or using personal support. All models
conceive of AT use as an act of the individual user, but neglected decision making
about AT use by other persons on his or her behalf or a joint decision making of a
potential user together with other persons (e.g., relatives). We discuss the background
of these gaps, possibilities of a more comprehensive modeling of AT use, and practical
implications (e.g., developmental counseling).