Digital inclusion in later life: older adults ' socialisation processes in learning and using technology
Open accessAbstract
This paper examines the influence of socialisation agents in shaping digital competence in older adults (aged 65+ years). Data was collected from the University of the Third Age (U3A) Network Victoria, a volunteer organisation that provides courses and programs for the retired and semi-retired community. We used a two-stage approach; focus groups as a sensitising tool, followed by 21 in-depth interviews. The research identifies three distinct consumer socialisation processes: reciprocity, self-socialisation and outsourcing, and details the central socialisation agents influencing these processes and how these processes influence learners to reach different socialisation outcomes. Overall, this study sheds light on the complex socialisation processes that influence how older adults become digitally competent and the barriers they face in this process, illuminating the need to address negative attitudes, improve access to devices and support older adults in maintaining their independence.
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Positive attitudes are heightened by socializing and learning while using technology, directly influencing digital adoption in the older adult population.
“Such positive attitudes are heightened by socializing and learning while using technology, directly influencing digital adoption in the older adult population. 51”
Cites
Scheerder, A., van Deursen, A., & van Dijk, J. (2017) · Telematics and Informatics · doi:10.1016/j.tele.2017.07.007 · Cited by 1,471 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Improving the inclusion and engagement of older adults in digital technology is becoming increasingly important (Oh et al., 2021; Scheerder et al., 2017), and there is a need to improve the digital competency of older Australians (Thomas et al., 2020).”
The impact of aging on access to technology
Czaja, S. J., & Lee, C. C. (2007) · Universal Access in the Information Society · doi:10.1007/s10209-006-0060-x · Cited by 560 · see citing works
Baby Boom Consumers and Technology: Shooting Down Stereotypes
Niemelä-Nyrhinen, J. (2007) · Journal of Consumer Marketing · doi:10.1108/07363760710773120 · Cited by 125 · see citing works
Wang, X., Wong, Y. D., & Yuen, K. F. (2021) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph18020404 · Cited by 64 · see citing works
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Dino, M. J. S., Dion, K. W., Abadir, P. M., Budhathoki, C., Huang, C.-M., Ong, I., Vital, J. C., Cotter, V. T., Himmelfarb, C. R. D., & Davidson, P. M. (2024) · Health Informatics Journal · doi:10.1177/14604582241267793 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
- Authors
- Aleti, T., Figueiredo, B., Martin, D. M., & Reid, M.
- Affiliations
- RMIT University (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Aleti, Torgeir
- Venue
- Australasian Marketing Journal
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2023-07-22
- Volume
- 32
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 295-307
- ISSN
- 1441-3582 (ISSN-L)
- 1839-3349
- OpenAlex
- W4385144534
- Cited by
- 30
- References
- 4
- Citations by year
- 2026: 15 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 1
- FWCI
- 17.49
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- hybrid
- doi.org
- Locations
- Australasian Marketing Journal (AMJ) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- Funders
- U3A Network Victoria Inc.
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Demography › Technology Use by Older Adults
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology › Aging and Gerontology Research
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Aging, Elder Care, and Social Issues
- Keywords
- digital inclusion, older adults, digital skills, consumer socialization, University of the Third Age, technological learning, reciprocity, outsourcing, technology adoption barriers, attitudes toward technology, device access, independence in later life
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