Active Aging and Internet Use Among Dutch Older Adults

• In Event: "Active Aging," Media, and Communication

Abstract

This study investigates to what extent Internet and Communication Technologies use assist people in active aging of Dutch older adults. Data are derived from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA). For this study, data were used from respondents who participated in 2005 and 2008 (N=985). The predictive value of Internet use on nine indicators of active aging and vice versa was estimated with a series of different analytical techniques. Internet use significantly changes the odds for a successful development in cognitive functioning (OR=13,2, p=.00) and the provision of emotional support (OR=3,31, p=.00) at follow-up, but not for the other seven indicators of successful aging. There is also a weak but significant effect of cognitive functioning on Internet use (Beta=0.10, p=0.03), suggesting that more cognitive able people are more likely to use ICT.

Authors

• Marja Aartsen, VU U Amsterdam

• Eugène F. Loos, ASCoR, U of Amsterdam