A new study led by Lancaster University and University College London researchers reports on Apr. 17 that differences in internet use among older adults are influenced more by cognitive ability, education, and employment status than by age alone.
The findings matter as digital access is increasingly important for accessing government services, healthcare, and online goods. The research analyzed data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), which surveyed over 6,000 people aged 50 and above to examine how often they use the internet and why some choose not to.
According to the study, more than 90 percent of people over age 50 in England are regular internet users. However, usage decreases with age: nearly all individuals aged 50-64 reported being digitally active compared to about two-thirds of those aged 80 or older. The analysis found that education level, employment status, and cognitive skills play a central role in determining how frequently older adults go online.
The researchers noted that while health issues and mobility can affect internet use, these do not fully explain the decline seen with advancing age. Many older adults cited lack of skills rather than lack of access as a reason for reduced internet use. Despite this, most said they simply did not see a need to increase their current level of usage.
Professor Knowles said: "Older people use the internet a lot across all age cohorts and are generally content with how frequently they log on, providing similar reasons for not using the internet as the rest of the population." She added: "The data could be showing us that there's a tendency toward voluntary disengagement from technology in later life - perhaps a reprioritisation in how to spend one's time." Knowles questioned whether discussions about digital exclusion should also consider personal choice: "Should we really be talking about the age-based digital divide simply in terms of exclusion, or should we also be talking about how ageing well may involve disengaging from the internet and doing other things?"
Researchers call for designers and service providers to support older people's choices regarding technology use. Professor Knowles said: "It is important to provide assistance to individuals facing barriers to using the internet and wanting to use it more... Our findings indicate that... non-use is an expression of personal preference in older age in which case designers should explore how technology design can support this choice." Professor Andrew Steptoe commented: "It is encouraging that internet use is becoming more common even among people in their 80s and 90s... This is increasingly important as government and local services [and] access to health care move online..."
The study was part of DigiAge project funded by UKRI's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and was presented at this week's CHI conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems.
