Longitudinal Trends(2004-2014) of the Use and Non-use of Information Technology among Older Adults

This study examines the longitudinal trends regarding awareness of informatization, Information Technology (IT) use, and attitudes towards IT among older adults aged 60 or over. Surveys were conducted in 2004 and 2014 at senior welfare centers in Seoul, Korea. The trends between 2004 and 2014 showed that the rate of Internet use increased among older adults who lived alone, were aged 70 or over, had middle education level, had low income, or were unemployed. Older adults had positive attitudes towards IT, and users were more positive than non-users. The levels of IT use were low among users, and their reasons for IT use were for psychological, emotional, and practical purposes. For non-users of IT, their passive tendencies toward IT use and informatization were amplified. As such, the state of IT use and attitudes toward it among older adults in Seoul were longitudinally different, and the differences in awareness and ability between users and non-users tended to increase.