Growing old in the digital era: a qualitative study of internet use and outcomes among urban Indian older adults.

Purpose: This study acknowledges the existing digital divide in India, particularly for marginalised populations, and highlights the need for exceptional attention to address their unique needs, challenges and demands. Although previous research and policies have primarily focused on physical access...

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Publicado en:Working with Older People: Community Care Policy & Practice Vol. 28; no. 4; pp. 317 - 336
Autores principales: Bansal, Nidhi, Choudhary, Heena
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Emerald Publishing Limited 2024
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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        10.1108/WWOP-08-2023-0032
        180754267
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        atl: Growing old in the digital era: a qualitative study of internet use and outcomes among urban Indian older adults.
      aug:
        au:
          Bansal, Nidhi
          Choudhary, Heena
        affil: Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, Jaipur, India
      sug:
        subj:
          Internet Access In Old Age
          Internet Utilization
          Educational Status
          Digital Technology
          Socioeconomic Factors
          Attitude to Computers
          Human
          Male
          Female
          Middle Age
          Aged
          Aged, 80 and Over
          Qualitative Studies
          Surveys
          Culture
          Employment
          Neural Networks (Computer)
          Politics
          Social Media
          Access to Information
          Health Information
          Reading
          Motion Pictures
          Listening
          Loneliness Prevention and Control
          Social Isolation Prevention and Control
          Wellness
          Health Knowledge
          Support, Social
          Support Groups
          Middle Aged: 45-64 years
          Aged: 65+ years
          Aged, 80 & over
          Male
          Female
      ab: Purpose: This study acknowledges the existing digital divide in India, particularly for marginalised populations, and highlights the need for exceptional attention to address their unique needs, challenges and demands. Although previous research and policies have primarily focused on physical access and internet skills, this study shifts the focus to the outcomes of internet use. By understanding how older adults in marginalised communities incorporate the internet into their daily routines, this study aims to contribute to the development of an operational framework that charts the disadvantages of the digital divide. Design/methodology/approach: The study draws from Helsper's (2015) internet outcomes framework to identify the outcomes that older adults can derive from being online. By using a qualitative approach, the study seeks to understand how educational and economic backgrounds influence internet usage among older adults and how this can promote advantageous internet use. Findings: The findings indicate that highly educated individuals are more likely to experience positive outcomes across various societal domains than their less educated counterparts. However, it was observed that the highly educated participants also try to limit the impact of internet use on their personal lives by intentionally disconnecting from the internet whenever possible. Research limitations/implications: By offering programmes and interventions to encourage internet use and improve digital skills, as well as by enhancing digital accessibility and incentive systems, the government should go forward with its plan to close the outcomes gap in internet use among older adults. For policymakers, it turns the spotlight on creating an environment conducive to the digital inclusion of older adults, consistent with sociocultural structures. Originality/value: This study contributes to understanding the nuanced dynamics of internet use among older adults, shedding light on the role of educational background and sociocultural factors in shaping internet outcomes. It highlights the need to consider qualitative approaches in digital inequality research to capture the complexities underlying the digital divide.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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