Internet usage, frequency and intensity in old age during the COVID-19 pandemic—a case study for Switzerland
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: This study examines the digital divide among older adults in Switzerland within the rapidly evolving digital environment. It investigates changes in internet usage among this population, focusing on the proportion of users, frequency, and the intensity of their internet usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Drawing on Swiss data from the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement (SHARE), conducted in 2021, the study analyzes a sample of 1,205 older adults. Results: The findings indicate a growing proportion of internet users over time. It also highlights that gender differences persist but are decreasing. Notably, around 9% of individuals in this study had never used the internet, while recent users exhibited high activity levels, spending an average of approximately two and a half hours online daily. The study identified age, education, employment, living arrangements, and attitudes toward technology as influential factors shaping internet usage among older adults. Importantly, the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a significant impact on internet adoption among this demographic. Discussion: These findings shed light on the complex dynamics that shape internet usage among older adults and underscore the need to promote digital inclusion and engagement within this population.
Source: Frontiers in Sociology
Authors: Ronny König, Alexander Seifert
Language: English
Subfield: Demography
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,005
Awards: Social Sciences & Humanities Open Cloud, Multinational Advancement of Research Infrastructures on Ageing, G1178032220, G1237079599, G1330667123, G1428006373, G1608581485, G1708035608, G1750703574, G1778268290, G1820526844, G2077389594, G2343781458, G2465118858, G2576676356, G2593358879, G2841052746, G3166864496, G323020161, Achieving world-class standards in all SHARE countries, G3457581384, G3654244103, G3687180791, G4165969582, RAND Center for the Study of Aging, G4290142911, G434337789, Upgrading the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe – preparatory phase, G4545110052, G4569152855, G4587185496, Cohesion in further developing and innovating SHARE across all 28 member countries, G4723430573, G4847675667, G503278667, G504669776, G5062201959, Data Service Infrastructure for the Social Sciences and Humanities, G5207492846, G5618942462, Non-intended health, economic and social effects of the COVID-19 epidemic control decisions: Lessons from SHARE (SHARE-COVID19), G5857780965, G6053673296, G6055688980, G6122222817, G6476390097, G6678519423, G6969501727, Synergies for Europe's Research Infrastructures in the Social Sciences, Enhancing the Comparability of SHARE with HRS and ELSA, G8072554765, Longitudinal Enhancement and Access imProvement of the SHARE infrastructure, G8875743412, Health and Retirement Study: Yrs 35-40
OpenAlex ID: W4387956466