RISK PE RCEPTION OF THE ELDERLY - ANALYZING THE ADOPTION OF INNOVATIVE MOBILITY SYSTEMS

The incre asing number of the elderly requires firms to develop innovative products that satisfy the specific needs of this target group. These needs are mainly the results of agerelated changes like physical and psychological restrictions. Physical changes in terms of the mobility are of particular importance and require supportive aids in order to retain the independence of the elderly. However, the elderly often associate several risks towards innovations in general and innovative mobility aids in specific because they are often reluctant to deal with this issue. Based on a literature review, this paper analyzes age-related changes and their effects on the risk perception of the elderly as possible barrier when adopting innovative mobility systems. Implications for practitioners are discussed. Index T erms – Risk perception, the elderly, adoption, innovation, mobility aid system