Impacts of Urbanization and ICT Use on Loneliness Among the Elderly in Israel

Abstract

This study explores the impact of residential environment (urban vs. kibbutz community) and use of information and communication technology (ICT) on loneliness among the elderly in Israel. The quantitative study surveys four sub-populations of people above the age of 65: (a) kibbutz residents who use ICT, (b) kibbutz residents who do not use ICT, (c) urban residents who use ICT, and (d) urban residents who do not. Findings confirm the hypotheses that urban residents will report greater loneliness than kibbutz residents, and ICT users will report lower feelings of loneliness than non-users. A significant effect of residential environment is found. A significant impact of ICT use is also found, but the effect size is small. Furthermore, there is interaction between the variables: Kibbutz residents using ICT report greater loneliness than those who do not, while among urban residents, ICT users report a lower level of loneliness.