Usage of mobile phones amongst elderly people in Hong Kong

Abstract

This study examined the patterns of mobile phone usage and preference of mobile phone functions amongst elderly people in Hong Kong. Two studies were conducted using a mixed-research method. Focus group discussion was conducted to six elderly mobile phone users to investigate their usage patterns and problems of using. Questionnaire survey was administrated to 100 respondents aged 60 and over to understand their preference of mobile phone functions. The study revealed that basic mobile phone functions were considered to be more important for elderly users. The eight features most frequently used by the respondents were calling, address book, alarm, display of date and time, panic button for emergency, incoming call with caller’s picture, and camera. The results of this study can facilitate the design of mobile phones for the elderly.