The Internet Behavior of Older Adults

Abstract

Older adults are increasingly joining younger ones in using the internet, including social media, although use decreases with age, especially after age 74. Most older adults who become first-time internet users are enthusiastic users, frequently going online. Barriers to their use of the internet remain, such as physical and cognitive limitations. Attitudinal barriers may exist, but it is unclear whether this result from lack of experience or aging. Marketing research has found that older persons are less likely to engage in online purchasing. Research still has not clarified whether the ongoing pace of change in technology, along with changes associated with aging, may mean that there will always be fewer older than younger adults using the newest technologies. However, as current internet users age into the senior population, they are likely to maintain positive attitudes towards technology and continue frequent use, which the research suggests may benefit mental health and social relationships.