Digital Adaptation by Adults Aged 50-75 Years: A Study in Cyprus

Abstract

The study examines the digital competencies of Cypriot adults in the following three age brackets, 50-64, 65-74, and 75+, distinguishing between basic digital skills (e.g., browsing, messaging, using digital devices to search for information online, downloading files, visiting websites, sending private messages) and advanced skills (e.g., problem-solving, content creation, critical evaluation). It explores how age, gender, education, and place of residence shape digital literacy outcomes. Using a 10-item self-report-questionnaire based on the Digital Skills Indicator (DSI), adapted for older populations and validated in the Cypriot context, we collected data from a convenience sample of 287 Cypriot citizens aged 50-75 years. A part of our subjects completed online forms while we interviewed others in adult day-care facilities. We analyzed the data using factor analysis and chi-square test. Factor analysis revealed two distinct aspects of digital competence: (a) Basic operational digital skills and advanced digital skills. Participants in the 'younger' age bracket (50-64) demonstrated greater autonomy in handling digital tasks than our older subjects (64+), although higher education levels mitigated age-related disparities. Urban residents demonstrated an advantage in digital content creation, while men and women differed regarding their perceptions of the ease of digitalization. Our research reveals that although many older persons engage in digital activities, there are substantial disparities in digital engagement based on age, education, and geographic location. Policy interventions must move beyond access to address targeted training, especially for rural, less educated, and older subgroups, to prevent their exclusion from the digital society.