Due to the dissimilar physical, social and mental context of the
elderly, models based on the behaviour of young adults cannot
be generalised to the elderly without proper investigation [23].
According to Carrol et al. [2] the life cycle of mobile phone
technology – designing and developing the innovation,
communicating or diffusing information about it, deciding to
adopt (selecting, purchasing or committing to use it) and then
achieving persistent use – is poorly understood for elderly users.
Research findings indicate that many elderly people make
limited use of their mobile phones and may even reject the
technology [10; 20]. Given the advances in technology, the
focus on user-centred design, the improved understanding of
geriatric needs and the concerted effort towards conquering the
‘grey’ market, this premise may not be valid any more.