Digital technology usage and cognitive functioning in older adults

The objectives of the study were to assess the usage of digital technology in 35 older adults, (21 females and 14 males), age varying from 65 years to 87 years, to assess the cognitive functioning in older adults, and to understand the relation between the variables of the study. The study was conducted using a survey research method. Digital technology includes devices as well as applications associated with them. A self-constructed tool was designed to assess digital technology usage. Cognitive functioning includes components of episodic verbal memory (immediate and delayed), working memory, verbal fluency, reasoning, and processing speed. This was assessed using the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT) by Tun & Lachman. Analysis of the data indicated a relation between usage of digital technology and reasoning, speed of processing, and working memory domains of cognitive functioning. The implication of the study is the need to address barriers to usage of digital technology to promote usage.