This chapter presents a cross-national comparative analysis of internet use among older adults aged 65 or older across six diverse regions: Brazil, China, India, Singapore, Europe, and the United States. Drawing on nationally representative datasets, the study explores how individual-level factors, including demographic, socioeconomic, health, and social support characteristics, associated with digital engagement in later life. Findings reveal striking disparities in internet use, with rates ranging from just 4% in India to over 94% in the United States. Education, urban residence, occupational background, good health, and social engagement consistently predict higher odds of internet use. However, patterns vary by country, reflecting the influence of macro-level factors such as digital infrastructure, cultural norms, and policy environments. Notably, once socioeconomic factors are accounted for, gender and income disparities diminish in most contexts. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive, context-specific strategies to promote digital inclusion among older adults, particularly in lower-income and rural settings. These insights support the development of inclusive digital policies aligned with global aging and sustainable development goals.

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Multinational Comparisons of Factors Associated with Internet Use Among Older Adults

  • Danan Gu,
  • Qiushi Feng,
  • Kun Wang,
  • Haiyan Zhu,
  • Summer Xiayu Chen

摘要

This chapter presents a cross-national comparative analysis of internet use among older adults aged 65 or older across six diverse regions: Brazil, China, India, Singapore, Europe, and the United States. Drawing on nationally representative datasets, the study explores how individual-level factors, including demographic, socioeconomic, health, and social support characteristics, associated with digital engagement in later life. Findings reveal striking disparities in internet use, with rates ranging from just 4% in India to over 94% in the United States. Education, urban residence, occupational background, good health, and social engagement consistently predict higher odds of internet use. However, patterns vary by country, reflecting the influence of macro-level factors such as digital infrastructure, cultural norms, and policy environments. Notably, once socioeconomic factors are accounted for, gender and income disparities diminish in most contexts. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive, context-specific strategies to promote digital inclusion among older adults, particularly in lower-income and rural settings. These insights support the development of inclusive digital policies aligned with global aging and sustainable development goals.