ABSTRACT
Mobile phones can provide many benefits for older people and improve their quality of life. Most of the mobile phones today integrate multiple features, such as calling, calendar, alarm, music player, and Internet. However, it is not known mobile phone feature preferences among old age users and whether these features meet their needs. This study aims to explore the mobile phone usage behavior and features preferences among older people in Hong Kong. Focus group discussion and questionnaire survey were used to collect data and a Thurstone scale was developed for presenting the priorities of mobile phone features. It was found that elderly users preferred basic functions than advanced functions. Calling, phonebook, clock, emergency button, alarm, camera, calculator, and short message cervices were most important features for older mobile phone users. The results of this study can facilitate the design of mobile phones for the elderly.
