Bringing Rational Choice Theory Back to Reality: Understanding Low-Income Older Adults’ Intention to Use Mobility Apps

Mobility applications (apps) have the potential to support the mobility needs of low-income older adults. Studies have found, however, a lower uptake of technology among this segment of the population. Drawing upon the rational choice theory and the technology acceptance model, this study examined the costs–benefits and perceptions of technology that shape the intention to use mobility apps among Malaysia’s low-income older adults. The researchers used the partial least squarestructural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique to analyze survey data provided by 282 low-income older adults regarding their intention to use a mobility phone app. The results show that low-income older adults’ intention to use mobility apps is positively influenced by the perceived costs of non-adoption, the perceived benefits of adoption, and the perceived usefulness of the app. Perceived usefulness mediates the relationship between perceived costs of adoption and intention to use. The findings offer fresh insights for policymakers and practitioners in developing and implementing mobility apps for a low-income aging demographic.