The “Grey Digital Divide”: A Longitudinal Analysis of ICT Attitudes Among Italian Older Adults
This longitudinal study examines the evolving digital engagement of older adults in northern Italy, addressing the critical intersection of population aging and societal digitalization. The literature consistently demonstrates that older adults often exhibit lower digital literacy and technology usage, potentially leading to social exclusion. This research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of changes in digital engagement over time, informing targeted interventions to enhance digital skills and promote active aging.
The study employs a quantitative approach, initially comparing data from 1,381 questionnaires collected in 2019 and 2022, capturing perspectives before and after the Covid-19 pandemic. The research investigates: 1) changes in the frequency of digital device usage; 2) self-reported comfort with technology use as a proxy for digital literacy; and 3) attitudes and motivations related to technology and digital education among Italian adults aged 60 and over.
Preliminary findings from the 2019-2022 comparison reveal an increase in the frequency of digital technology use among older adults post-pandemic, albeit still low in absolute terms. This increased usage was not accompanied by improved comfort or perceived ease of use, suggesting that the pandemic-driven push towards digitalization did not necessarily enhance digital literacy or motivation for improvement. Counterintuitively, attitudes towards the digital technologies appeared to have deteriorated rather than improved post-pandemic.
To provide a more comprehensive longitudinal perspective, a new data collection based on the same methodological approach is planned for spring 2025. This extension will allow a periodic comparison in three-year steps (2019-2022-2025), providing insights into the long-term evolution of digital engagement among older Italian adults. The findings of this study can provide valuable input for policy and intervention strategies aimed at addressing the "grey digital divide" in the context of ongoing digital transformation.