Older people’s experience and perception of digital technologies and their adaptation in the information society

Valishin Evgeniy

Today, in most developed nations are the following important social trends observed: an aging population and the introduction of digital technologies into the life of society. However, research shows, that older people use digital technology less often compared to other age groups. The article deals with the use and non-use of digital technologies (Internet, computers, mobile phones) by older people. The author make an attention to the reluctance of using the capabilities of digital technologies and how it may be associated with the functional characteristics of these technologies and social attitudes, and not only with the age characteristics of older people. The age, education, attitudes and personal characteristics of older people influence how they relate to digital technology. The author's analysis allows us to combine behavioral, functional and physical factors with socio-demographic indicators to assess the use and non-use of digital technologies by older people.

Keywords:elderly people, "third age", digital technologies, social attitudes, usage of digital technologies.