A review of Internet use among older adults. (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hunsaker, Amanda; Hargittai, Eszter
• Is Part Of: New media & society. Volume 20:Number 10(2018)
• Page Start: 3937
• Page End: 3954
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Digital inequality -- digital divide -- Internet skills -- Internet use -- older adults -- surveys; Mass media -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Mass media and culture -- Periodicals; Information technology -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Internet -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 302.2305
• DOI: 10.1177/1461444818787348
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1461-4448

Abstract

As the world population ages and older adults comprise a growing proportion of current and potential Internet users, understanding the state of Internet use among older adults as well as the ways their use has evolved may clarify how best to support digital media use within this population. This article synthesizes the quantitative literature on Internet use among older adults, including trends in access, skills, and types of use, while exploring social inequalities in relation to each domain. We also review work on the relationship between health and Internet use, particularly relevant for older adults. We close with specific recommendations for future work, including a call for studies better representing the diversity of older adulthood and greater standardization of question design.