Internet/E-mail Usage and Well-Being Among 65–84 Year Olds in New Zealand: Policy Implications

Research indicates that significant groups of older people are using Internet/e-mail technology. Using data from a 2007 random sample of 1,680 New Zealanders aged 65–84, predictors of Internet/e-mail usage and the impact of usage on well-being were investigated. Gender, age, education, household composition, income, and work were significant predictors of Internet/e-mail usage. Significant positive relationships were also found between Internet/e-mail usage, self-rated health, leisure/recreation participation and leadership, and well-being. These research findings suggest that public policies should encourage older people to adopt Internet/e-mail technology to ensure continued participation, learning, and well-being throughout later years.

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