The role of the Internet in later life autonomy: Silver surfers in Spain

The aging population presents a significant challenge for developed nations. Maintaining well-being in later life requires maximizing autonomy, a goal promoted by EU policies since the 1980s. Data prior to the COVID-19 pandemic projected a substantial increase in the 65+ population in Europe and North America by 2100. In Spain, this age group constituted 20.08% of the population in early 2022. This demographic shift necessitates age-friendly healthcare systems and social support systems that incentivize social participation and quality of life. Internet access in Spain is high (91.3%), but usage among seniors is lower, with only 56.3% of 65-74-year-olds using the internet daily. This digital exclusion reduces social interaction and access to essential services. The study aims to understand the diverse digital behavior among older adults, creating a taxonomy of internet users aged 60+ based on their online activities (especially e-commerce and e-government), their digital skills, and trust in online environments. Three specific objectives (SO) guided the study: 1. Identify differences between senior internet users; 2. Define profiles of senior internet users; 3. Characterize insecure and less-skilled users to improve their digital literacy.

Existing research on the digital divide focuses on three levels: material access, digital skills, and the benefits derived from online use. Age negatively impacts all three levels, with older adults often having limited device ownership, lower digital skills, and fewer benefits from internet usage. However, age is not the sole determining factor; frequency of internet use, prior experience, socio-economic status, and social support play crucial roles. Previous research has yielded various typologies of older internet users based on digital skills, online media use, information-seeking behavior, media habits, privacy concerns, and specific ICT needs. However, these studies often neglect the growing importance of e-commerce, e-government, and social media usage among seniors and the role of trust and security perceptions. This study addresses this gap by incorporating these factors in defining silver surfer profiles.

This quantitative study employed a telephone survey of 405 Spanish internet users aged 60-79, using quotas for gender, age, and residence to ensure a representative sample. Data were collected in February 2019. The questionnaire comprised three blocks: Internet and ICT usage (including WhatsApp, social media, email, news reading, information searches, online banking, e-commerce, and e-government); self-perceived digital skills and perceived necessary skills for e-commerce and e-government; and trust in e-commerce platforms and e-government websites (including willingness to use services independently and perceived online security). Four distinct survey paths were created based on respondent experience with e-commerce and e-government. Data analysis involved dimensionality reduction (KODAMA algorithm) and k-means clustering to identify distinct groups. Various distance measures and clustering methods were tested and validated (clValid package) to ensure the robustness of the results. The optimal model utilized seven clusters, with the KODAMA algorithm and k-means clustering method providing meaningful clusters.

The study revealed a diverse landscape of internet use among Spanish seniors. WhatsApp usage was most prevalent (91.4%), followed by email and news reading (83%). Over half engaged in online searches, price comparisons (57.3%), online shopping (60.2%), and e-government tasks (57%). Fewer than half used social media (47.9%) or online banking (43.5%). Path 1 respondents (those using both e-commerce and e-government) were most versatile, while Path 4 respondents (those using neither) were most restrictive. Regarding self-perceived digital skills, 53.1% perceived their skills as average, with only 22% rating themselves as high or very high. Around half (47.4%) considered average digital skills sufficient for online activities, while 33.8% considered high or very high skills necessary. Trust in e-commerce and e-government were similar, with average levels being most prevalent. However, those in Path 4 displayed significantly lower trust in both areas. 69.6% of respondents had used e-government services without assistance, and 66.2% felt safe conducting online transactions. Path 1-3 respondents showed higher safety levels and willingness to use services independently. Cluster analysis identified seven groups: Able (most versatile, average skills, average trust), Daring (all activities except searches, average skills, high trust), Sceptical (limited use, low skills, low trust), Novice (moderate use, average skills, average trust), Confident (specific activities, average skills, average trust), Insecure (basic use, low skills, low trust), and Practical (pragmatic use, average skills, high e-commerce trust). The Sceptical and Insecure groups were identified as most vulnerable.

The findings highlight the heterogeneity of senior internet users, defying simplistic binary categorizations. The study addresses the limitations of previous typologies by focusing on specific, essential online activities like e-commerce and e-government and incorporating the critical dimension of user trust. The identified clusters showcase diverse levels of digital competence, with a significant portion exhibiting average rather than high skills. The prevalence of the Able and Daring clusters indicates progress in digital inclusion, while the Sceptical and Insecure clusters emphasize the persistence of a digital divide. The study underscores the importance of trust and perceived security in shaping online behavior. Addressing the needs of the Sceptical and Insecure groups is crucial, requiring tailored interventions focusing on building trust and improving digital literacy.

The research revealed seven distinct profiles of Spanish silver surfers, highlighting the complexities of digital inclusion among older adults. The study emphasizes the need for targeted e-inclusion programs to address the needs of less skilled and less confident users (like the Sceptical and Insecure), enabling them to leverage the economic, social, and personal benefits of online services. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to track changes in internet usage over time and cross-cultural comparisons to examine how contextual factors influence digital adoption among seniors.

The study's limitations include its focus on a single country (Spain), potentially limiting generalizability. The sample size, while providing acceptable margins of error, might be insufficient for robust regional comparisons or the identification of smaller clusters. The cluster analysis prioritized internet usage patterns and did not heavily emphasize socio-demographic factors like education and social class. The study also did not specifically investigate the impact of website design or the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the digital behaviors of older adults.