Internet and the Elderly Researched
Staying behind these days means staying far behind. Developments are moving so fast. Especially in the area of technique new inventions pop up like mushrooms. Large groups of predominantly elderly do not keep up with all these developments. It raises the question why people aged over 65 do not use the Internet as much as their younger counterparts. Research has been conducted on this one, but still the group is lagging behind. Reasons for not using the Internet could vary strongly, but maybe the solution to motivation does not. Little empirical research leads to believe that the elderly above 65 in the Netherlands will use the Internet, if affordable and easily accessible education about using the computer and Internet is provided. I took it upon me to do some minor research on this topic, which resulted in the following.
Results
Participants: 15 individuals over the age of 65.
Material: Questionnaire and qualitative interview.
Results show that the experimental subjects agreed with statements which implied they are already acquainted with or willing to learn about the Internet. All of the fifteen subjects owned a computer with an Internet connection and used this connection at least once a week. However, they all indicated having difficulties keeping up with the recent developments on the Internet. All the subjects, except one, indicated using e-mail. On the option ‘collection of information’, the subjects, again except one, indicated to use the internet for this. Seven of the subjects used the Internet for banking and to spend their leisure time. On using Internet for working (one subject), online shopping (two subjects) and study (two subjects), the subjects scored close to nothing. Just one subject indicated to use the Internet elaborately. She visited forums and sites with information about how to use Internet. She was the only very proficient user of the computer itself, being able to edit pictures and other, more complex, features. Though, in general women were less proficient then men. The elderly mainly use e-mail, as younger people use more of the available options like social networks and forums.
Results for the second part of the main question provide insight into factors that can activate the elderly to start using the Internet, or to use it even more. An important part of the research consisted of open questions in an interview. Many of the experimental subjects indicated being active already on the Internet, but not frequently. The elderly were asked to express their own ideas about making the Internet attractive. First, it is important to take away anxiety not only for fraud and abuse but also for making errors on the computer. To activate the elderly, necessity is a great tool. Creating necessity will force the elderly to use the Internet. Furthermore, the elderly have to be taught about the possibilities of a computer and of Internet.
Fourteen of the experimental subjects pointed out that they would need a course to get acquainted with the Internet. Still, the same majority indicated not being willing to participate in a course. The elderly indicated that costs and the fear of actually having to subscribe for a course are not limiting factors for participating in a course. It would help if information about courses was easy to find.
