Northern Kentucky University
The Impact of Technological Development on the Current Attitudes of Baby Boomers: An Assessment Study of Willingness to Learn After Retirement
Institution
Northern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Boni Li
Abstract
American society is currently considered to be aging, with 12.25% of the total population comprised of elderly people, and because the baby boomers are growing older this percentage will increase to 20% by the year 2030. Due to America's rapid high-tech growth, the impact of technological development on the lives of baby boomers has become a crucial social issue. This age group was not born into high technology, but later in life had to learn how to use it. Because of this, it is necessary that educational opportunities to learn new technology be continuously given to this age group, especially after their retirement. These learning opportunities will enable them to be more integrated into society and will also improve their quality of life. The model used for this study tested whether the level of familiarity with technological knowledge influenced attitudes towards technology and adaptability to it. Furthermore, the model tested if willingness to learn new technology helped to keep individuals integrated in society. This study included 170 respondents from the Greater Cincinnati area, aged 50 to 60. The questionnaire, designed by Dr. Li and the applicant, was approved by the NKU human subjects committee, and the data was collected.
The Impact of Technological Development on the Current Attitudes of Baby Boomers: An Assessment Study of Willingness to Learn After Retirement
American society is currently considered to be aging, with 12.25% of the total population comprised of elderly people, and because the baby boomers are growing older this percentage will increase to 20% by the year 2030. Due to America's rapid high-tech growth, the impact of technological development on the lives of baby boomers has become a crucial social issue. This age group was not born into high technology, but later in life had to learn how to use it. Because of this, it is necessary that educational opportunities to learn new technology be continuously given to this age group, especially after their retirement. These learning opportunities will enable them to be more integrated into society and will also improve their quality of life. The model used for this study tested whether the level of familiarity with technological knowledge influenced attitudes towards technology and adaptability to it. Furthermore, the model tested if willingness to learn new technology helped to keep individuals integrated in society. This study included 170 respondents from the Greater Cincinnati area, aged 50 to 60. The questionnaire, designed by Dr. Li and the applicant, was approved by the NKU human subjects committee, and the data was collected.