Informe 2022. Cátedra de Brecha Digital Generacional. Las personas mayores en la era de la digitalización en la Comunidad Valenciana (datos 2021)

Abstract

The Research Chair in the Generational Digital Divide undertakes activities aimed at furthering knowledge about the causes, consequences and solutions to the digital divides caused by age gaps. This report shows the research project carried out in 2021 to learn more about how the digital divide affects over 54s living in the Valencia Region, by province, with a focus on intergenerational relationships. To this end, an exploratory survey targeted at over 54s years old and over 39s years old in the Valencia Region, based on primary sources and combining quantitative and qualitative techniques, has been conducted. The data reveals that, while a large percentage of over 54s declare that they have access to and are users of new technologies, much remains to be done for access and usage to become universal, especially at older ages. The report analyses how technology is used, considering its purpose and context, according to age and other significant variables. Differences in technology usage have been found across age groups and between women and men. The report contains information on, among other relevant aspects, online services, and especially on e-banking, the healthcare system and e-administration. Differences between age groups have been found for all indicators, shedding light on intergenerational relationships within the family that are crucial for older people. The Research Chair is an initiative by the Valencia Region Government’s Directorate General for the Fight Against the Digital Divide and stems from the collaboration between the Regional Department for Innovation, Science, Universities and Digital Society and the University of Alicante.