Later Life Digital Communication with Adult Children: Predictors and Outcomes
Ladataan...
639.75 KB
suljettu
Julkaisu on tekijänoikeussäännösten alainen. Teosta voi lukea ja tulostaa henkilökohtaista käyttöä varten. Käyttö kaupallisiin tarkoituksiin on kielletty.
Lataukset2
Pysyvä osoite
Verkkojulkaisu
DOI
Tiivistelmä
In nations with a high proportion of elderly people and a high level of digitalization, such as Finland, digital communication is gaining increasing importance. Interpersonal communication is one of the key elements of individuals’ well-being. As digitalization expands across the world, digital communication methods are integrating into our lives. While people tend to narrow their communication circle as they age—and feel socially satisfied with it—the use of digital tools, and consequently communication with family members through tools may vary depending on the characteristics of older adults. There are studies investigating the relationships between social media adoption and individual characteristics, as well as social media contact with family members and happiness level among older adults in Finland. However, the relationships between older adults’ characteristics and their digital communications with adult children, as well as this communication and their happiness level has not been examined yet. I conduct two separate linear regression analysis to explore the associations by using the population-based Generational Transmissions in Finland (Gentrans) survey data. More educated, wealthier, and more socially connected older adults report higher digital contact scores with their adult children. After adding demographic variables, the effect of digital communication on happiness weakens. After adding socioeconomic variables, it decreases further, however, is still marginally significant. Results show that comprehensive welfare state of Finland may consider digital divides among older adults in Finland, since digital communication with adult children is related to older adults’ happiness, even though it is not the only contributing factor.