Understanding internet appropriation among older people through institutional supports in Spain

Abstract

The increase in healthy life expectancy and Internet use in developed countries makes it necessary to delve into Internet usage by older adults in order to harness its benefits. Considering the relevance of formal supports for the digital literacy of older people, the objectives of this study were (a) to verify whether there is an escalation in Internet appropriation among older people, and (b) to demonstrate that the usefulness of institutional supports for Internet appropriation depends on the type of support and age. The participants (N = 560) were retired adults (age over 54) who resided in Spain and were habitual users of institutional support programs. Two multigroup analyses with structural equations were performed, using the type of institutional support and the age range as moderating variables. Three incremental levels of appropriation were found according to their levels of physical access, use, skills and perceived benefits. Furthermore, the data showed that the effect of formal support for literacy on Internet appropriation is moderated by type of institution and suggest that institutional supports are more necessary in older ages.