Assumptions of age and mobile handset type

Abstract

As mobile handsets become more sophisticated, they are capable of supporting increasingly sophisticated applications and software which can be used for mobile telephone based interventions, treatment, research and telecare. Though it is generally accepted that older individuals will own less sophisticated handsets, this brief study assesses age-associated factors relating to the type of mobile handset (cell phone, web phone, or smart phone) in more detail. Three hundred and twenty six Australian participants aged between 5 and 79 reported their age at first mobile purchase, and who initiated and made the purchase. Mobile handset type was significantly associated with both age and current everyday usage. It was concluded that current age, rather than age at time of purchase, was a simple and sufficient indicator of current phone handset type.