Analysing the Engagement and Attitude of Elderly Towards Digital Platforms in India

Abstract

In present-day technology is governing the way we live and lead our life. It primarily governs our day-to-day work, quality of life, health, environment and surroundings. The use of technology has made our lives easier as almost everything around us is accessible with the use of some innovative technologies. But at the same point in time, it has made the experience little complex for the older people living in our society. As per the Ministry of Statistics, Government of India 2017, the numbers of Indians over the age of 60 years constitute almost 36 per cent of the country’s population. Considering this fact, it is imperative to be acquainted with the full picture of digital involvement of older people in the country. The research is focussed primarily on the people aged between 58 and 70 years residing in the urban locality of India. The study will use a mixed-method framework to conclude its findings. Data are collected first through a survey of 388 respondents and then interviewing some of the participants (20 participants who were also part of the survey) from different states of India. Sequential explanatory research design is used to conduct the study. Phase one is a quantitative analysis where statistical tools like Cronbach’s alpha, factor analysis and regression is used to validate the proposed model. In phase two, the validated constructs of the proposed model are used to frame the discussion guide and in-depth interviews were conducted. The depth interviews further clarified and explained in more details the results derived from the quantitative study in the first stage. The purpose of this research is to identify the level of digital exclusion and also to ascertain the reasons behind the marginalization. Further, the research is also focussing on understanding the noteworthy perceptions that will be effective in creating and implementing strategies for digital inclusion and engagement of the elderly in India. The results (both quantitative and qualitative study) established the influence of perceived usefulness, ease of use, risk and anxiety on the engagement and hence generating an attitude towards adoption.