Everyday Technology Use and Cognitive Function in Older Adults

Everyday technology—ranging from smartphones and tablets to banking terminals and eHealth platforms—has become deeply intertwined with daily life, offering both cognitive stimulation and practical support for older adults. Research highlights a dual role for technology: as a tool for enhancing social engagement, memory support and autonomy, and as a potential barrier when interfaces are poorly adapted to age‐related changes in perception, motor control and executive function. In healthy ageing and in early cognitive decline, technology use correlates with preserved working memory and processing speed, while in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early dementia, challenges in learning new interfaces can exacerbate functional limitations. Social networks and caregiver encouragement are critical enablers of technology adoption, with perceived usefulness driving motivation to overcome usability hurdles. Tailored interventions—such as reminder apps, simplified user interfaces and inclusive design principles—can mitigate barriers, promote independent living and contribute to quality of life. Moreover, technology use in public spaces influences out‐of‐home participation, reinforcing the importance of accessible urban infrastructure and transport services. Global ageing trends underscore the need for cross‐disciplinary strategies that integrate cognitive neuroscience, human–computer interaction and gerontology to develop age‐friendly technologies that support cognitive health and social inclusion.

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Everyday Technology Use and Cognitive Function in Older Adults publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in everyday technology use and cognitive function in older adults across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Everyday Technology (ET): Devices and systems routinely used in daily life, including consumer electronics and public-service terminals.

mHealth: Mobile health technologies such as smartphone apps and wearable devices designed to support health monitoring and intervention.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): A clinical condition marked by measurable cognitive decline without significant interference in everyday activities.

Out-of-Home Participation: Engagement in activities and visits to places beyond the individual’s residence, reflecting social and environmental interaction.

Quality of Life (QoL): A subjective evaluation of well-being encompassing physical, psychological and social dimensions.

References

1. The use of information and communication technologies by older people with cognitive impairments: from barriers to benefits. Computers in Human Behavior (2020).
2. Attitudes and Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Early Stages of Dementia and Their Caregivers: Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research (2020).
3. The contrasting role of technology as both supportive and hindering in the everyday lives of people with mild cognitive deficits: a focus group study. BMC Geriatrics (2018).
4. Perceived risks, concession travel pass access and everyday technology use for out-of-home participation: cross-sectional interviews among older people in the UK. BMC Geriatrics (2020).
5. Enacting citizenship through participation in a technological society: a longitudinal three-year study among people with dementia in Sweden. Ageing and Society (2021).
6. Associations Between Mobile Health Technology use and Self-rated Quality of Life: A Cross-sectional Study on Older Adults with Cognitive Impairment. Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine (2021).