Digital inequality among older adults: explaining differences in the breadth of Internet use

ABSTRACT

An increasing number of older adults integrate the Internet in their daily life. Although undertaking a greater range of online activities offers enhanced opportunities to live a self-determined and socially connected life, understanding of the breadth of Internet use is still limited. We address this gap by examining how individual factors representing inequalities between groups of older adults in society are associated with the breadth of their Internet use. The study analyzed survey data collected in 2017 from older adults living in a city in Germany (N = 1,136, age 65–90 years). The group of Internet users comprised of 69.0% (784) of participants, exhibited high levels of autonomy in outdoor activities (87.8%), and reported, on average, 4.92 online activities (SD = 2.31, range 1–8). Linear regression analysis showed positive associations for perceiving higher levels of behavioral control (PBC) in using digital technologies, being male and younger, and holding an academic degree. No associations were found for having medium level of education, living together with someone, and reporting better health. These findings highlight that despite the increased percentage of users, digital inequality regarding the range of online activities prevails. This inequality impedes subgroups of older adults to prepare for future situations in which online activities could substitute outdoor activities that might not be possible anymore. Interventions for these subgroups should emphasize digital skills that facilitate engagement in diverse online activities covering various purposes and life domains.

KEYWORDS:

• Digital inequality
• Internet skills
• older adults
• social media
• survey

Acknowledgements

We thank Susanne Wallrafen (Sozial-Holding der Stadt Mönchengladbach GmbH) for her support in conducting the survey.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung [grant number 16SV7438K].

Notes on contributors

Joerg Leukel

Joerg Leukel is a senior researcher in the Institute of Health Care & Public Management at the University of Hohenheim. His research interests are in the areas of e-health, digital platforms, digital services, and conceptual modeling [email: [email protected]].

Barbara Schehl

Barbara Schehl is a former research associate in the Institute of Health Care & Public Management at the University of Hohenheim. Her research investigates technology use and social integration of older adults [email: [email protected]].

Vijayan Sugumaran

Vijayan Sugumaran is Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Decision and Information Sciences at Oakland University. His research interests are in the areas of big data analytics, business intelligence, and data & information modeling [email: [email protected]].