Variables asociadas al uso de internet en personas mayores

Abstract

Due to the global increase in the population aged 60 years or older, it has been sought to know the role of technological tools to promote well-being in this population group, however, most of the studies that have been carried out provide information mainly from developed countries, and the characteristics of this sector of the population in Latin American countries are known to a lesser extent; therefore, this quantitative research of non-experimental, cross-sectional and explanatory design, the relationship of some sociodemographic and psychological variables (health perception, loneliness and attitude towards computers) with the use of the Internet in older people was analyzed. A total of 4,588 elderly people participated (62.1% women and 37.9% men), with a mean age of 70.15 years. Instruments that evaluated attitudes towards computers, perception of loneliness, use of technological tools and a questionnaire with sociodemographic questions were applied. The results of the logistic regression showed that increased efficiency and interest in computers, better perception of health, higher income and school level, as well as lower age and loneliness, are associated with an increased probability that older people use the internet frequently.