# Why Older Adults (Don't) Use Password Managers

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2010.01973 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2010.01973/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 5 Oct 2020.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [A Decade of Privacy-Relevant Android App Reviews: Large Scale Trends](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2403.02292/) (2024)
- [Generative Propaganda](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2509.19147/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Password managers (PMs) are considered highly effective tools for increasing security, and a recent study by Pearman et al. (SOUPS'19) highlighted the motivations and barriers to adopting PMs. We expand these findings by replicating Pearman et al.'s protocol and interview instrument applied to a sample of strictly older adults (>60 years of age), as the prior work focused on a predominantly younger cohort. We conducted n=26 semi-structured interviews with PM users, built-in browser/operating system PM users, and non-PM users. The average participant age was 70.4 years. Using the same codebook from Pearman et al., we showcase differences and similarities in PM adoption between the samples, including fears of a single point of failure and the importance of having control over one's private information. Meanwhile, older adults were found to have higher mistrust of cloud storage of passwords and cross-device synchronization. We also highlight PM adoption motivators for older adults, including the power of recommendations from family members and the importance of education and outreach to improve familiarity.