Computer And Internet Uses Among Elderly Population: Adding Activity And Quality To Life

Abstract

Activity theory suggests that except for the inevitable changes in biology and health, older people are the same as middle-aged people with essentially the same psychological and social needs. In this view, decreased social interaction that characterizes old age results from the withdrawal of society from the aging person. Our study suggests that a large percentage of older citizens are computer literate, use Internet on a regular basis and believe that lack of basic computer skills is a disadvantage. Various activities ranging from email and chat on the Internet to surfing the net for useful information are common. We conclude that computer uses among older population adds value to their life.