Older adults’ digital competency, digital risk perceptions and frequency of everyday digital engagement

Datos Bibliográficos

ID7155693
AutoresTorgeir Aleti (0000-0002-1222-3784, RMIT University), Bernardo Figueiredo (0000-0003-1935-4370, RMIT University), Mike Reid (0000-0002-0397-2556, RMIT University), Dolores Moyano Martins (0000-0002-2971-6219, Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway), J Sheahan (0000-0001-8282-4094, RMIT University), L Hjorth (0000-0002-4793-3233, RMIT University)
Año2025
Volumen38
Número8
Páginas97-118
Fecha de publicación2025-12-15
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInformation Technology and People (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0959-3845 • E-ISSN: 1758-5813
EditorialEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/itp-05-2024-0624
OpenAlexW4411244178
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas71

Purpose This study explores digital risk perceptions – the perception of risk related to digital environments – among older adults. Specifically, it investigates how these risk perceptions influence older adults’ frequency of digital engagement in everyday activities. Design/methodology/approach The research methodology involved conducting 22 interviews and administering 708 surveys among older adults living at home. The researchers examined how digital risk perceptions influenced older adults’ frequency of engagement in everyday digital activities. The study also explored the mediating role of digital risk perceptions in the relationship between older adults’ digital competencies and the frequency of everyday digital engagement. Findings The study identified six distinct categories of digital risk perceptions among older adults. Furthermore, it found that older adults’ digital competencies significantly impacted the frequency of everyday digital engagement. However, certain digital risk perceptions, particularly those related to privacy and security concerns and concerns about financial impact, mediated the relationship between digital competencies and the frequency of everyday digital engagement. Older adults’ frequency of participating in digital activities was influenced by perceptions of risk, highlighting the complex interplay between digital competencies and digital risk perception in shaping older adults’ engagement with everyday digital activities. Originality/value This study contributes to understanding older adults’ engagement in everyday digital activities by delineating six specific categories of digital risk perceptions. By identifying the mediating role of digital risk perceptions, particularly regarding privacy, security and financial concerns, the study sheds light on the nuanced factors influencing older adults’ willingness to participate digitally, which adds nuance and extends knowledge on digital and social inclusion among older adults

Digital health · Perception · Political science · Aging and Gerontology Research · Computer Science · Psychology · Smart Cities and Technologies · Technology Use by Older Adults