Health-related resources and social support as enablers of digital device use among older Finns

Abstract

Abstract Aim Older adults show considerable diversity in their use of digital devices, e.g., computers, tablets, and smart phones: some are non-users, some are learning to use them, and some use them fluently. The factors contributing to older adults’ digital device use are likely to differ between learners and fluent users. This paper examines whether different socioeconomic and health-related factors are associated with different levels of digital device use among older Finnish men and women. Subject and methods Data from 750 community-dwelling men and women were collected with face-to-face interviews and postal questionnaires and analyzed using multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results Younger age, presence of social support, and being partnered were associated with being a learner in digital device use, and higher education, a higher occupational status in working age, and higher health literacy were associated with being a fluent digital device user. Poor self-rated health was negatively associated with being a fluent user. Conclusions Fluent digital device users have personal resources, such as higher education, good health, and high health literacy, that contribute to their digital skills. Social resources are important enablers for those learning to use digital devices.