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Older adults and the emerging digital service delivery: A mixed methods study on Informations and Communications Technology use, skills and attitudes

  • Anu Siren
  • , Sine Grønborg Knudsen

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Based on data from a survey (n = 3291) and 14 qualitative interviews among Danish older adults, this study investigated the use of, and attitudes toward, information communications technology (ICT) and the digital delivery of public services. While age, gender, and socioeconomic status were associated with use of ICT, these determinants lost their explanatory power when we controlled for attitudes and experiences. We identified three segments that differed in their use of ICT and attitudes toward digital service delivery. As nonuse of ICT often results from the lack of willingness to use it rather than from material or cognitive deficiencies, policy measures for bridging the digital divide should focus on skills and confidence rather than on access or ability.
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Aging & Social Policy
Volume29
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)35-50
Number of pages16
ISSN0895-9420
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Keywords

  • Digital divide
  • Internet use
  • digitalization
  • e-government
  • population aging

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