JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Although preferred devices to access the internet are changing from personal computers to mobile devices, and the number of older adults with and without disabilities is rapidly increasing in an aging society, little is known about the disability moderating effect on mobile internet use among older adults.

Objective:

This study aimed to examine the levels of mobile internet use and factors associated with mobile internet use among older adults according to their disability. In addition, moderating effects of disability on mobile internet use were investigated.

Methods:

This study conducts a secondary data analysis using the 2020 Digital Divide Survey conducted in South Korea. The inclusion criterion was participants aged 55 and above; accordingly, 2,243 people without disability and 1,368 people with disability among a total of 4,500 were included. Multiple regression analyses considering complex sample designs were conducted to identify mobile internet use factors and test the moderating effects of disability on mobile internet use.

Results:

Older adults with disabilities used mobile internet less than older adults without disabilities. However, disability status had a moderating effect on the relationships between mobile internet use and the (1) operational skills of mobile devices (B=0.31, P=.004), (2) skills of internet use (B=1.46, P=<.001), (3) motivation to use digital devices (B=0.46, P=.01), and (4) attitude toward new technology (B=0.50, P=.002). The results revealed that these positive relationships were stronger among older adults with disabilities than those without disabilities.

Conclusions:

Although older adults and people with disabilities are considered vulnerable populations for technology adoption, disability creates a stronger association between several determinants and actual mobile internet use. Therefore, policymakers and practitioners should pay attention to older adults with disabilities to deliver appropriate information literacy education. Besides the common concerns regarding the digital divide among the population with disability, older adults with disabilities could be the primary beneficiaries of mobile services and new technology.