Creating supportive environments and enhancing personal perception to bridge the digital divide among older adults

Bibliographic Data

ID21537553
AuthorsSangyoon Han (0000-0002-0753-8685, Yonsei University), Seok In Nam (0000-0001-8053-0690, Yonsei University, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume47
Issue8
Pages339-352
Publication date2021-08-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueEducational Gerontology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0360-1277 • E-ISSN: 1521-0472
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/03601277.2021.1988448
OpenAlexW3206669320
LanguageEN
Citations received20
References cited46

The active use of digital technology by older adults will directly promote active and healthy aging, which will have a positive effect not only on the older adults themselves but also on society in general, which is rapidly aging. But Age-based digital divide has become the new face of inequality for older adults around the world. This study aimed to explore the digital technology acceptance process and identify barriers to use among older adults, using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) 3 as a framework. This study used data from the 2018 Digital Divide Survey of the Ministry of Science and ICT in South Korea. The sample consisted of 1,662 older adults (aged 55+). The major findings of the study indicate that two environmental dimensions – personal perception (technology self-efficacy and perceived value) and social environment (social norms and social support) – significantly impact the intention to use digital technology among older adults. Furthermore, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use mediate the relationship between personal and social dimensions and intention. The implications of this study on digital inclusion in older adults can be summarized as follows: it is essential to prioritize the delivery of appropriate digital training and built supportive environments from gerontological perspectives, not just to improve digital accessibility

Christian ministry · Digital divide · Information and Communications Technology · Perception · Political science · Technology Acceptance Model · Usability · Computer Science · Medicine · Psychology · Sharing Economy and Platforms · Technology Adoption and User Behaviour · Technology Use by Older Adults · Gerontology