Influence of previous work experience and education on Internet use of people in their 60s and 70s

Abstract

BackgroundInternet use among the elderly is influenced by various demographic backgrounds, social life and health factors.ObjectiveThis study aims to identify the impact of several demographic features on 60- to 79-year-old individuals’ intention to use the Internet.MethodFinland population data (N = 2508) from the 2012 IKIPOSA project was used with two cohorts: 60s group (n = 1515) and 70s group (n = 990). Descriptive statistic and two binomial logistic regressions have been used with the unadjusted effect and Forward LR method to measure each predictor’s contribution to the model. In addition, a preliminary analysis to measure the multicollinearity was performed.ResultOf the 18 independent variables, only nine predictors, namely, age, education, financial situation, having children, entrepreneurship, a leadership position, a higher level white-collar worker and a lower level white-collar worker, were significant factors in predicting the Internet use. Meanwhile, gender, having grandchildren, living alone, marital status, house location and type, stay-at-home mother or father, blue-collar worker, agricultural entrepreneur and social relations satisfaction were not significant predictors. The most significant predictors were education and age, which contributed 19% and 10%, respectively, to the model. Other significant predictors, lower level white-collar worker, higher level white-collar worker and financial situation, had less impact with only around 6%.ConclusionEducation and age were influential factors among elderly to use the Internet in their later life. Certain work experiences affect elderly people’s engagement with the Internet after retirement.