The Digital Divide and the Elderly Population of the
Central Savannah River Area
Capstone
Jody Wilson
Augusta State University
Master of Public Administration Program
April 21 , 2008
Abstract
Since the invention of the Internet, the United States and other countries around the world have seen an increase in certain populations’ inability to access the Internet. This phenomenon is known as the digital divide. The senior citizen population is often overlooked by those researching the digital divide. The following is an analysis of the senior citizen population of the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) that is made up of 13 counties in South Carolina and Georgia. This study showed that the elderly of the CSRA do not conform to the elderly referenced in published literature and that the digital divide may not be so big for those elderly who decide to live in the Central Savannah River Area.
Background
Twenty years ago, words such as e-mail, e-governance, e-democracy, and e-voting were not in our vocabulary, but times change and so does technology. In today’s technological society, these terms are commonplace. For those in generation “X” and “Y,” it is hard to imagine that previous generations do not understand why nouns are suddenly getting e- this and e- that added to them. Words such as these do have a beginning. Everyone needs to become familiar with them and their definitions because they are the future – and the future is now.
To fully understand e-governance, you must first understand the Internet. The Internet as we know it can be traced back to Vannevar Bush, Science Director to President Franklin Roosevelt. His vision was an engine named the Memex. This engine embodied a vision of the information society similar to what we see today (Garson, 2006). Bush’s vision called for an imagined device that could store large amounts of data. He also spoke of hypertext (a complex form of linking words) that would allow any member of society who had one of the Memex machines to create hypertext from one machine to another. This would allow users to share information. From the beginning of Because It’s Time NETwork (BITNET) to the Internet most Americans log on to daily, the Internet has changed the way we live.
Although the Internet has its roots in the military, its uses have spread far beyond their original scope. At first it was used by “computer geeks,” then by the masses, and eventually the federal government would step into the fray and start using the Internet to allow people to access services and information. Although e-governance is a fairly new idea, its creation has been coming for a long time.
On September 20, 2000, Firstgov.gov was launched and changed the way the government agencies do business. This web site linked local, state, federal, and tribal government pages in order to provide a “one–stop shop” for government services (Garson, 2006a). Firstgov.gov is a single Internet site that allows Americans to access a variety of government topics in one place. This website allowed, for example, senior citizens to access the Social Security website, caregiver resources, and get answers to medical questions and, for the first time, Internet users could log on and find forms needed for a host of services provided by the government. However, this also brought about the “push” to drive more and more users to the Internet. Now that this website has been developed, more and more agencies want their “clients” to access the Internet to apply for and check on the status of their applications.
The beginning of e-governance and the virtual state is believed to have started with the Clinton Administration. The goal of e-governance is the same as most new initiatives – efficiency. The Federal government, just like the state and local governments, wants to become more efficient and spend less. It is easy to see how and why e-governance fits into this category. First, it should take away some of the burden on individual offices such as the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration by allowing more services to be available on-line, thus eliminating overworked employees and long wait times for service seekers. With a strong e-government, service providers could cut back on staffing; office supplies, and provide services twenty-four hours a day (the Internet is never closed). This would take a great burden off the already depleted funding of most agencies.
The Electronic Government Act (EGA) of 2002 is perhaps the most influential piece of legislation to affect the Internet and digital divide. This piece of legislation established the Office of Electronic Government to oversee cross agency standards and to make sure new e-government initiatives adhered to those standards. The act formalized prior Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directives that regulatory agencies publish proposed rules on-line (Garson, 2006). This act forced most government agencies to develop websites, so they could publish their rules and regulations. Because most agencies developed websites, this allows them to drive more and more of their services on-line.
The Electronic Government Act of 2002 paved the way for e-governance. Since the inception of the EGA, more and more government services are trying to become legitimate services available on the Internet. Examples of such services include: the filling out needed forms on-line, the ability to check your eligibility for services on-line, and checking the status of your claims. Unfortunately, some citizens, such as minorities, the disabled, and the elderly are being left behind. An example of this can be examined by looking at Medicare prescription drug plans. Seniors had to choose a drug plan or have one chosen for them. While the government has paper enrollment information available, they strongly suggested people research and register on-line. Many of the elderly went to their local libraries for help (Bertot, Jaeger, Langa, McClure, 2006).
E-government is believed to give a greater voice to the American public. Everyone with access to a computer can send e-mails to the heads of departments expressing their concerns. Government websites also allow a great deal of transparency for the organization. These are but a few examples that show a list of positives for e-government. However, there is a dark-side to electronic government: not everyone has access to it. This is especially true of senior citizens.
The elderly may have a disadvantage when it comes to accessing the Internet. When a person ages, their ability to drive may be impaired to the point where they can no longer get to places like a drug store, the Social Security Office, or even their bank. When this happens, more and more seniors will be forced to rely on the Internet for these and other services.
In 2000, a report from the Department of Commerce showed that in households with persons over the age of 50, only 29.6% had access to the Internet (National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 2001). This is an alarming number because of all of the new programs and legislation to “drive” public services on-line. With government entities relying more and more on e-government, senior citizens now access their social security records, driver’s licenses, prescriptions, and, in the future, medical technology on the Internet. With only 29.6 % of persons over 50 able to access the Internet, this may prove disastrous.
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to determine if the senior citizen population of the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) is affected by the digital divide, and, if so, how this affects their access to e-governance and other on-line services. The CSRA may provide invaluable research on the digital divide. This area offers participants of a very diverse nature – minorities, poor, rich, rural area, and inner-city. This information may prove useful for the CSRA’s Area Agency on Ageing (AAA). It will provide them with information such as: how often the elderly access the Internet, their computer skills, Internet sites they visit often, and demographics (i.e. gender, income, and education level). The AAA can also use this to apply for grants and offer computer classes dedicated to the elderly and their specific needs.
Literature Review
The Internet is a far cry from what it was 20 years ago when it was mainly computer geeks in Disk Operating Systems (DOS) based chat rooms. In the year 2007, the Internet is used for just about everything from doing Internet-based research to checking account balances – even buying a car. If the Internet is such a vital part of our lives, then why does everyone not have access to it? According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, “Sixty-eight percent of American adults, or about 137 million people, use the Internet, up from sixty-three percent one year ago. Thirty-two percent of American adults, or about 65 million people, do not go online, and it is not always by choice” (Fox, 2005, p. 1). These numbers are proof of the growing digital divide in this country. Research has shown that the vast majority of those that cannot access the Internet are minorities, those living in rural areas, the poor, disabled, and the elderly. If they do access the Internet, they may be forced to access it through less than ideal situations such as public libraries.
Definition
The digital divide can be defined as, people and communities who have access to personal computers, the Internet, and complicated telephone procedures and those who do not (Kuttan and Peters, 2003). This is a growing problem worldwide. It affects the poor, rural areas, inner-city children, minorities, and the elderly.
The Elderly
One of the largest subsets of the American public facing the digital divide is the elderly, and it is expanding at a rapid pace. According to the Journal of Consumer Marketing (2004), the senior citizen population is rapidly expanding, and those 85 and older represent the fastest growing demographic group. In the United States, there are over 35 million people 65 and older. They account for approximately 13 percent of the total population, and out of those 13 percent only 4 percent access the Internet (Eastman and Lyer, 2004). When looking at all of the services provided on the Internet, specifically those marketing to the elderly – this is an alarming number. People on average are living longer. However, as they age their mental and physical abilities deteriorate, and with limited mobility, they will be forced to seek more and more services on-line (Dipert, 2004).
Some elderly choose not to participate in on-line activities. In a an article written by Gerd Paul and Christian Stegbauer (2005), “The elderly, who communicate mostly within the same age cohort of retirees and who have similar educational backgrounds, have no professional incentives to use the Internet, which has a lot to offer to young and well-educated people” (p.1). They may not choose to participate because they have never had exposure to modern technology such as computers. Many elderly are “stuck” in a different time when correspondence was more than just a quick e-mail. They are from a time when one of the best forms of communications with loved ones was conventional mail services. This may be in part because they feel regular mail is more personal.
Barriers
If the senior citizen population decides they want to use the Internet, there are major barriers that may pose great obstacles. According to an article in Cognition, Technology and Work, a number of past web accessibility studies identified the elderly as a group who, because of usability, find the World Wide Web difficult or impossible (Johnson, 2007). In a study conducted by Hilary Browne, Department of Computer Science at the University of Maryland,
Second, and more seriously, the elderly face a number of technology accessibility impediments related to income and education, and technology usability impediments related to physical, mental, and cognitive impairments. Some effective strategies exist for addressing these accessibility and usability needs, but their universal implementation is required before these two revolutions can truly benefit each other (Browne, 2000, ¶ 2).
The elderly population also might have physical limitations that may preclude them from accessing the Internet. As we age, our bodies deteriorate, our eyes may not be as clear as they once were, our hearing may become less acute, and arthritis may make one’s hands harder and harder to move, or we fall victim to Alzheimer’s disease.
All of these ailments play a role in the inability of the elderly to access the Internet. Eastman and Lyer (2004), writers for the Journal of Consumer Marketing, explained that physical problems can have a positive or negative impact on Internet use. These impacts are dependant on the severity of the problem, such as visual and/or problems with arthritis or mobility.
Technology
Advancements in technology are making it easier to access the Internet and at faster speeds. However, these advancements come at a price. Prior research shows that while some elderly Americans have access to the Internet, they may not have broadband access, which is often required to perform many of the functions they may encounter. Their inability to access broadband connections may be because of financial issues, location, or limitations of their computers. Computers must have particular processor speeds, available memory storage, and the proper network cards in them to be able to access broadband Internet. If the elderly do not have contemporary computers, they may be forced to rely on dial-up Internet.
Because today’s computers have bigger hard-drives, more memory, and faster processors, web-page designers can make websites more and more graphics intense. Web-pages are continually becoming larger with more pictures, flash movies, and complicated forms. Those without broadband Internet will have trouble accessing their sites. Dial-up Internet connects at approximately 56 kilobytes per second while broadband can reach download speeds of up to 1.8 megabytes per second (J. Hutto, personal communication, March 10, 2008). Because dial-up connections are so much slower at downloading websites, many times those users with dial-up Internet may not be able to download forms in a timely manner. It may take hours to download a form to apply for Social Security benefits. It may take so long that the page fails to load and the person is left with a blank page.
This researcher conducted an informal experiment using a computer equipped with only dial-up Internet. He used this Internet connection to connect to various websites, but chose the Social Security Website as the main focus because this is a website many elderly may visit often. The researcher navigated around the website, which was not easy with such a slow connection (some pages took up to 3 minutes to load), looking for on-line forms that one would need to fill out for services. Once these forms were found, they could not be filled out on-line with a dial-up connection because most of the forms would time out (time out means that the page does not load fast enough therefore the computer believes there is a problem) before they would ever load.
The inability of the elderly to successfully access the Internet may not be the people themselves or their computer equipment but limitations of their homes. According to an article in EDN Magazine, wiring in older homes may be substandard and may not allow the homeowner access to a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) (Dipert, 2004). Most senior citizens live in older homes that may have substandard wiring for electrical purposes. Because this is a fire hazard, this wiring is usually kept in good working order. However, because telephone lines are not considered a fire hazard they are often over looked and may be in less than adequate working order. In order to acquire and properly use DSL, a home must have modern phone lines without breaks and splices that can severally deteriorate the signal causing connection and speed issues for the user. Most elderly have homes where this system is overlooked.
Gender
Gender may also play a role in the elderly population accessing the Internet. A study released by the Pew Internet and American Life Project (PIALP) in May, 2007, shows a disparity between men and women who access technology. The PIALP study sampled 4,001 adults and reported that 43 percent of males are not using the internet while 57 percent of females were not (Horrigan, 2007). While these numbers are for the group as a whole, it is believed this study will find similar percentages of those people 65 and older. The PIALP study also showed that race, education, and income have an effect on those that are able to bridge the digital divide and those that do not.
Cooper (2006), a Princeton University professor, also published a study on gender and the digital divide. He concludes that women are underrepresented in the on-line community. Although his study primarily examines gender at a much younger age, it can be hypothesized that his conclusions will also provide insight into the same gender gap in the elderly.
Cooper defends his conclusions by pointing out that women are less likely to take computer courses in high school and are far less likely to graduate with an IT degree from college. He describes a 1987 study that examined the relationship between computers and anxiety among women. His research shows that one of the biggest concerns for the gender gap in the digital divide is stereotyping. His research suggests that stereotyping is a self-fulfilling prophecy. He derived his conclusions by conducting experiments. He had boys and girls complete tasks on a computer and then compared the results. In one example, the boys group had a mean number of correct steps of 72, and the girls mean number of correct steps was 58. There was also a noticeable increase in their anxiety level.
While this study was not directly associated with the elderly, it is easy to see how it relates. Because the elderly of today grew up in a time when men were the heads of the household and women were the primary care givers to their children, it can be hypothesized that these women may experience a higher level of anxiety over computers and the Internet. As they grew up, they were not expected to learn technological skills. This situation has not changed as they have grown older.
Income
Income is also directly related to the digital divide. Some elderly cannot afford to get a computer, and if they do have one, they may not be able to afford the extra expense of the Internet. Although there have been studies on the digital divide and income, very few studies have concentrated on the elderly. This disadvantaged group may often have the lowest income in a community, especially if they depend solely on a limited Social Security check.
A study (Jackson, Von Eye, Biocca, Barbatsis, Zhoa, & Fitzgerald, 2005) published in CyberPsychology & Behavior examined home Internet use and low income families. The study was named HomeNetToo and started in 2000. It provided home computers to low income families with the provision that all Internet activity would be monitored for 16 months – it was a failure. According to the researchers, the culprit was income. The participants were poor, their friends and family were poor, and their jobs did not require them to actively read and use the Internet or email.
This study was not directed toward the elderly, but it can be hypothesized that those over 65 may encounter the same economic and social roadblocks. Like the participants in this study, those elderly that are fortunate enough to have a computer, Internet, and the skills to use them, most likely will not have many friends that do, thus creating roadblocks by not having a social network that can be called upon if help is needed. Most elderly retired before it was common place for offices to have computers. So, much like those in this study, the elderly were never forced to learn how to use a computer. This aspect of the digital divide should not be a problem in the future since baby-boomers that retire will have this knowledge.
Education Levels
Daniel Lorence and Heeyoung Park (2007a) published a study in CyberPsychology & Behavior that examined the effects of low education levels on those seeking health related information on the Internet. In this study, they used the categories of less-educated, educated, and more-educated for their analysis. They concluded that there are large disparities across education levels and access to the Internet. In 2002, about 53.8 percent of less-educated people used the Internet compared to 89.17 percent of more-educated. However, they did report increases in those percentages reported from 2000-2002.
On-Line Habits
In order to bridge the digital divide, researchers must not only look at who accesses the Internet and what keeps the elderly from accessing it, but must also look at the habits of those that do. Another study by Daniel Lorence and Heeyoung Park (2006b) examines the Internet as a source of health care. This study examined two research questions. First, any socio-economically defined groups underserved with regards to computers and Internet access seeking health related information. Second, have age differences with regards to those seeking on-line health information, widened, remained constant, or narrowed over recent years?
They conclude that a lack of access to on-line health related information for the elderly remains a problem in the United States, even though their research shows a higher percentage of elderly people access online health information than younger people. They also conclude that overall access to computers and the Internet have actually increased, but they believe their research shows that US initiatives to bridge the digital divide are having little to no effect on the underserved population (Lorence and Park, 2006).
The Internet is one of the most life changing, technological inventions of the twentieth century. It promotes globalization, allows instant transfer of information, and allows people to communicate in ways never dreamed possible fifty years ago. However, it is not without one major drawback – not everyone has access to it. This is especially true for the elderly population. When researching why the elderly do not have equal access to the Internet, it was discovered that a number of barriers keep them from truly enjoying the Internet. These include income, education level, technology itself, fear of technology, disabilities, and gender. While the Internet is not essential to a healthy, happy, and productive life, it can be seen as a way to make life a little easier.
This study used applied research in the form of surveys distributed to local senior citizens to answer the following research question: Does the digital divide exist for the elderly in the CSRA, and, if so, what are the contributing factors? To find the answer to the research question, the following variables were analyzed: The independent variables were education level, income, location (urban vs. rural), type of Internet connection, disabilities, fear of technology, and a clear understanding of the Internet and the services available on-line. The dependent variable was Internet usage of the elderly. The information provided in the literature review allows for the development of a working model for this research project.
A cross-sectional non-experimental descriptive design was used to examine and answer the stated research question.
Hypothesis and testing
For the purpose of this research, all statistical testing used an alpha value set at. 05 and a confidence interval of 95%, the industry standard for social sciences. Based on the literature review, it was hypothesized that:
H1: As education level rises, Internet usage increases.
Variable 2
H1: As income level rises, Internet usage increases.
Variable 3 (removed from study)
H1: Respondents living in rural areas will be less likely to use the Internet.
Variable 4
H1: The faster the available Internet connection is the more respondents will use the Internet.
Variable 5
H1: Respondents with disabilities will use the Internet less.
Variable 6
H1: As fear of technology rises, Internet usage decreases.
Variable 7
H1: As understanding of the Internet and services available increases, Internet usage increases.
Changes to the Model
Changes to the original model had to be made due to the researcher’s need for a truly anonymous study. Hypothesis #3, “Respondents living in rural areas will be less likely to use the Internet,” was removed. In order to properly test this hypothesis, the researcher needed the respondent’s full address including street, city, and zip code. If this information was not collected, there is no way to test if their location has an effect on their ability to access the Internet.
Without the respondent’s full address (excluding the actual street number) there is no way to determine if the respondent lives in a rural or urban area. The researcher contemplated asking for just the county or city in which those surveyed reside but a person’s idea of there location is too subjective. While they may indicate they live in Thomson, GA, this area has urban and rural areas (as do most other towns in the CSRA) and without their full address there is no way to know which part they reside in. This line of questioning would be appropriate in focus groups or telephone interviews because the interviewed could explain the difference between rural and urban areas.
The researcher was going to include a question in the survey asking for the address of those surveyed, but was reminded by Jeanette Cummings, of the Area Agency on Aging, that the identities of the sample must remain anonymous. She reiterated that she could not give out a mailing list and they would pull the sample and handle the mail-out as to not reveal the identities of the respondents. If a question was included on the survey asking for their address (excluding their actual street address) it could reveal their identity to the researcher. Therefore, all questions on the survey pertaining to this topic were removed from the survey instrument before it was mailed and no data was collected to support any analysis on the topic.
Participants
The study focused on the elderly population of the CSRA. For the purpose of this study, elderly was defined as those men and women aged 65 and older. The age of 65 was determined by the researcher to be an appropriate age because it corresponds with the U.S Census Bureau’s definition (Sengupta, Velkoff, & DeBarros, 2005, p. 1).
Data Collection
The data for this research study was collected in the form of mailed surveys. According to Susie M. Nesbitt, of the Area Agency on Aging, there were 48,200 senior citizens located in the thirteen counties located in the C.S.R.A. as of 2000 (Susie M. Nesbitt, personal email, November, 5, 2007). With a population size of 48, 200, in order to obtain a 95% confidence level with a confidence interval of 5, the sample size needed to be 381. To obtain the needed number, surveys were mailed to a sample population of senior citizens from the CSRA. Jeanette Cummings was contacted to obtain a mailing list. The mailing list of their clients could not be shared due to confidentiality issues, but Ms. Cummings agreed to send out the surveys. She reported that previous surveys done by her agency had a 25-35% response rate. To ensure enough surveys were returned to permit meaningful analysis, the researcher and the agency sent out 750 mailed surveys.
Ms. Cummings contacted National Mail Services to mail out the surveys; National Mail Services pulled a random sample from the supplied list. They have a computer program that randomly selected the needed number of names. Once the mailing was completed, all responses were returned to the CRSA Regional Development Center (RDC) office located on River Watch Parkway and deposited into a box for pickup on Fridays. A copy of the survey is enclosed in Appendix A.
The survey started with a short introduction and was broken down into three sections: technological information, skill set, and demographics. The researcher felt that it would be better to use only closed ended questions. The survey was designed by the researcher based on the research question, the literature review, and partially based on a survey found at Hartnell College (Hartnell, 2005).
Enclosed in the envelope along with the survey was a cover letter. The letter addressed key issues such as the purpose of the study and all the elements required by the Oversight Committee on Human and Animal Research. This document is located in Appendix B.
The research protocol was submitted to the Oversight Committee on Human and Animal Research (OCHAR) at Augusta State University for review and was approved prior to the data collection. According to Dr. Rick Topolski, Chair of OCHAR, the survey did not need a full committee review based on the fact that the survey was not being administered to an at-risk group such as an elderly population that suffers form Alzheimer’s disease (R. Topolski, personal communication, January 8, 2008).
The data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Software. Before beginning analysis of the data, it was checked for completeness and reliability to ensure internal consistency. Any surveys where respondents indicated they were younger than 65 were excluded from the analysis.
Results
Seven hundred and fifty surveys were mailed to the elderly population of the C.S.R.A in early January 2008 and respondents were asked to return their surveys to the Area Agency on Aging by February 18, 2008 using the enclosed return envelope. As of March 24, 2008, 125 surveys were returned, but 5 had to be thrown out because the respondents indicated they were not 65 or older. This equates to a 16.65 percent response rate, which is significantly lower than Mrs. Cumming’s usual 25-35 percent response rate. Using these numbers, the researcher calculated an 8.2 percent margin of error. This margin could have been reduced if a follow-up letter was sent out to the sample group as a reminder to return their surveys, the respondents were provided a self addressed stamped envelope, and if the researcher used focus groups and/or telephone interviews. A follow up letter was not mailed to the respondents due to the increasing cost of postage.
Of those that responded, 43.1 percent (n=50) were 65-70, 59.9 percent (n-66) were 70 or above, and 4 were missing. They have a median income of over $48,000, which the researcher believes to be skewed due to the number of missing responses. The majority of those surveyed that have a computer listed themselves as the primary user (n-47) with spouses (n-=14) coming in second.
The ethnicity of the respondents closely matches the percentages given for 2005 by the Census Bureau for the state of Georgia. The Census Bureau reported that 66.1 percent of the population of Georgia consider themselves white and 29.8 percent listed black as their race (fedstats.gov). The respondents that answered question 11 (n=119) of this survey have similar results 68.07 percent white and 29.41% black.
SPSS, Data Entry, and Missing Data
Upon review of the survey instrument, it was decided by the researcher that question 1b through question 6 should have included an option for Not Applicable. Question one asks, “How many computers do you have in your household, and if the answer is zero, skip to question 7. If a person answered zero with the current layout of the survey, the rest of the answers would be coded as missing. In order to produce the best results, it was decided that questions 1b-6 where the person answered zero in response to question 1a (indicating no household computers) would be coded as Not Applicable because if the person has no computer, it is obvious the respondent could not answer the next set of questions. However, if the respondent answered any of those questions, their responses were recorded appropriately.
While entering data into SPSS, any questions containing missing data were entered using the code 99. Before running any statistical analysis, missing values had to be replaced. All missing data at the nominal level was replaced with the mode and all missing data at the ordinal level was replaced with the mean. Once all of the missing data was replaced, the researcher used SPSS to recalculate the frequencies to check for errors. The results are attached in Appendix D.
Findings
To test the predictability of the working model, a regression analysis was run. The results are as follows:
Table 1
Analysis of Variance for Digital Divide
Source df F ŋ p
Regression 7 1.669 3.886 .124
Residual 112 2.328
a Predictors: (Constant), SMEAN(ssetcompform), SMEAN(income), Mode(Disability), MEAN(typeconn), Mode(seniorserviceoffer), academiclevel_mode, SMEAN(ssetnavigate) b Dependent Variable: SMEAN(accessinternet)
Table 2
Summary of Regression Analysis for Variable Predicting Senior Citizen Access to the Internet (n=120)
Variable B SE β Sig
SMEAN (typeconn) -.132 .065 -.191 .045
SMEAN (ssetnavigate) -.045 .211 -.050 .833
SMEAN (ssetcompform) .134 .204 .156 .512
academiclevel_mode .065 .091 .083 .478
Mode (Disability) .655 .337 .179 .054
Mode (seniorserviceoffer) -.535 .339 -.154 .117
SMEAN (income) -.030 .121 -.030 .806
a Dependent Variable: SMEAN(accessinternet)
After running a regression analysis, SPSS indicated the working model has a very small power of prediction. This is shown by the adjusted r-square value of .038. The adjusted r-square statistic indicates that 3.8 percent of the senior citizen population’s access to the Internet is explained by the model. However, in an ANOVA table (1), the significance (sig.) needed to prove predictive power is .05 or less. The results produced by SPSS shows the significance level of the model was .124 with an F score of 1.669, therefore showing the model has little to no predictability. Because of the sig. level of .124, it would be easy to say that none of the hypothesis have predictive power, but when the Coefficients table (2) was examined one hypothesis is shown to be significant –Type of Connection in the Home (shown by a significance level of .045 in table 2) and the hypothesis – disability (shown by a significance level of .054 in table 2), is very close to being significant. If the margin of error is factored in, disability may be significant.
Based on the data, the researcher fails to reject the following null hypothesis because there is no evidence of a significant relationship between the dependent and independent variables.
H1: As education level rises, Internet usage increases.
H1: As income level rises, Internet usage increases.
H1: As fear of technology rises, Internet usage decreases.
H1: As understanding of the Internet and services available increases, Internet usage increases.
However, based on the data provided in table 2, the researcher rejects the null hypothesis of the following:
H1: The faster the available Internet connection is the more respondents will use the Internet. (sig. .045)
H1: Respondents with disabilities will use the Internet less. (The significance level of this hypothesis is .054, if one factors in the margin of error, this may become significant.)
Other findings of interest Research suggests the number of computers in elderly households may be decreased due to income, education level, and computer knowledge. However, this does not hold true for the elderly of the CSRA. Chart 1 (see Appendix C) shows that 73.3 percent of those elderly persons that responded to the survey indicated that they had at least one computer in the home. Fifteen percent responded that they have 2 and 54.17 have 3 or more computers in their household. The age of their computers ranges from less than 6 months to more than 5 years old.
Income
Income can be a determining factor of the elderly accessing the Internet. The respondents sampled in this study have an unusually high median income. Chart 2 (see Appendix C) shows that 31.7 percent of those that responded to the survey indicated they made more than $48,000 per year. This number may be skewed because of the amount of missing variables. Seventeen of the 120 respondents chose not to answer the question. Because this is an ordinal measure, all missing data had to be replaced with the mean. The researcher believes that by replacing the missing variables with the mean, it further skewed the data. When calculating the mean value of the annual income, the mean becomes all amounts over $48,000. Once this new number is plugged in, the data may not be representative of the elderly of the CSRA. However, the above average level of income may be explained by the amount of military officers that retire after their assignment at Fort Gordon ends.
Age of the computer
The collected data suggested that the age of the computer and the type of Internet connection available has an impact on the ability of the elderly to access the Internet. The results of the test that tested the age of the computer, the Pearson Chi-Square test, shows a significance of .000 with 30 degrees of freedom. This suggests The Age of the Computer could have an effect on accessing the Internet. Those elderly who have a computer are likely to access the Internet at least 1-3 times per day. Only 13 of the 120 surveys collected said they have a computer but do not access the Internet.
Table 3
Crosstabs Age of Computer
Access Internet <1 yrs. 1 yrs. 2 yrs. 3 yrs. 4 yrs. 5 or more yrs N/A
Never 1 2 4 1 2 3 26
1-3 times per day 6 3 7 11 7 11 0
4-10 times per day 2 3 6 2 4 2 0
More than 10 times 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
N/A 0 0 0 0 0 0 7
Other 1 0 1 3 1 0 0
Chi-Square 102.771 df =30 p=.000
Type of connection available in the home
The test results for the type of connection available in the home do not correlate to the published research. Published research indicates that most of the elderly population does not have access to high-speed Internet. The sample drawn from the CSRA not only shows that most of the elderly residents in this area have access to, but use high-speed Internet as their means of access. The Pearson Chi-Square of .000 with 25 degrees of freedom indicates that the types of connections available in the home may, in fact, have an effect on the ability of the elderly to access the web (shown in table 4). This test includes the Mantel-Haenszel test for linear association because it is the preferred tests to run when testing the linear relationship of two ordinal variables (Garson, 2008a).
SPSS indicated a Mantel-Haenszel chi-square value of .085. This value suggests there is no relationship between the two. However, by looking at the data more closely, it can be seen that only 3 respondents answered they never access the Internet when a cable modem is available as an alternative for high speed Internet service while 27 responded that when a cable modem is available they connect to the Internet at least 1-3 times daily. The abnormal amount of elderly with broadband connections may be explained by the above average income level of the respondents.
Table 4
Crosstabs Type of Connection Available
Access Internet Dial up High Speed Don’t know Cable NA
Never 6 0 4 3 26
1-3 times per day 12 4 2 27 0
4-10 times per day 6 1 0 12 0
More than 10 times 0 0 1 1 0
N/A 0 0 0 0 6
Other 4 1 0 2 0
Chi-Square 103.061 df= 25 p= .000
Mantel-Haenszel chi-square (linear by linear association) .085
Basic Computer Skills
The results of running a crosstab on basic computer skills and access of the Internet suggest that as a person’s basic computer skills increase they are more likely to access the Internet. This is evidenced by the Pearson Chi-Square value of .000 with 30 degrees of freedom. An example of this can be seen when looking at those respondents that answered they had little to no basic computer skills. Eighteen respondents answered that they had no knowledge of basic computer skills and never access the Internet. The research suggests that when elderly have advanced knowledge of the computer, they access the Internet on a more regular basis (n=13). This suggests that basic computer skills have an impact on the ability of the elderly in the CSRA to access the Internet.
Table 5
Never 18 2 2 1 2 15
1-3 times per day 1 8 14 13 8 0
4-10 times per day 1 6 6 4 5 0
More than 10 times 0 1 0 0 1 0 N/A 1 1 0 0 0 5 Other 0 3 2 1 1 0 ________________________________________________________________________ * denotes knowledge level
Chi-Square 102.322 df = 30 p= .000
Does a disability affect access?
Published reports indicate that when an elderly person has a disability it decreases their ability to access the Internet. The sample drawn from the CSRA does not correlate to the published data. Of those that responded to question 14b (n=107), only 2 of the 66 responded that they had a disability or responded that having a disability affected their ability to access the Internet. When the working model was tested, it indicated that disability was not significant (significance .054). However, this number is close to the needed .05 level to be considered significant. If the margin of error is taken into account, this may become significant. The statistics in table 6 show that of those that responded they have a disability, only 1.7 percent (n=2) indicated that their disability affected their ability to access the Internet.
Table 6
Does your disability affect your ability to navigate the Internet?
Frequency Percentage
Yes 2 1.7
No 44 36.7
N/A 74 61.7
Frequency Percentage
Total 120 100
Does knowledge of senior services affect access?
The data suggests that a senior citizen’s ability to access the Internet may be related to their knowledge of senior services that are available. Table 7 shows that the Pearson Chi-Square test is not significant (.051 and 5 degrees of freedom). However, when looking at the second chart, it can be argued that seniors that are aware of senior services offered on the Internet are more likely to access the web. Of the 87 respondents that answered they are aware of senior services available on the web, 52 indicated they access the web at least once per day.
Table 7
Crosstabs Knowledge of Senior Services Available On-line Access
Internet Yes No
Never 23 17
1-3 times per day 37 8
4-10 times per day 15 4
More than 10 times 1 1
N/A 4 3
Other 7 0
Chi-Square 11.035 df = 5 p= .051
Conclusions
The researcher needed to collect 175 surveys in order to make conclusions about the population. The Area Agency on Aging agreed to send out 750 surveys to the senior population of the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). Only 120 surveys were returned, which does not allow the researcher to make specific conclusions about the population as a whole. However, the researcher can make some general conclusions about the population.
The survey included questions about population and demographics. Gender was almost even with 63 females and 57 males. The respondents reported a wide range of education levels (ranging from no education to PhD level respondents) with the majority holding a high school diploma or GED (n=36). However, there were some areas where the data may be skewed. A disproportionate number of respondents chose over $48,000 as their income level. One hundred nineteen respondents chose English as their primary language according the demographics.
The senior citizen population CSRA does not conform to the standards by which the digital divide is measured. More than three-quarters of the respondents have at least 1 computer (n=91) and the option to access the high speed Internet where they live (n=85) with only 28 indicating that their only choice was dial-up and only 14 of those 28 indicated that it had an effect on their decision to access the web. Of the 120 respondents, only 40 indicated that they never access the Internet and of those 40 they cited reasons such as, do not want it (n=3), too expensive (n=1), too slow (n=1), do not know how to use it (n=8), and can you use somewhere else (n=1).
However, there is reason to be concerned. Thirty-two respondents out of 120 (26.75 percent) indicated they have do not have a computer and 49 respondents indicated that their computer was at least 3 years old. This could easily keep them from accessing the most current forms available on the Internet and also possibly keeping them from accessing the Internet with any type of connection beyond dial-up. Another area of concern is that those elderly who are accessing the Internet are not using it to access on-line social services (n=72) even though 87 respondents indicated they were aware those services are offered on-line.
Recommendations
The senior citizens of the CSRA do not seem to be affected by the digital divide as badly as some other areas of the country. However, there are things that could be done to further narrow the divide for those over 65. Agencies that have seniors as their primary clients should develop a plan to present those that have an income at or below a certain level a personal computer to use. These do not need to be top of the line computers, but ones capable of supporting high-speed Internet. Another option for these agencies may be to incorporate computers into the local senior centers. This would allow those attending the center to perhaps spend a little time learning basic computer skills and how to navigate the Internet (at least enough to navigate important social service sites).
Another option for these agencies would be to have free or very low cost classes to teach basic computer skills and navigating the Internet. Research collected indicated the elderly would be receptive to this. Sixty respondents indicated they would attend classes that were free or very low cost, while 37 indicated they were not sure if they would attend classes or not.
There are changes that could be made at the local and national level with promotion of websites. While it is good that 87 people responded they were aware that senior services are available on the web, 33 did not. There is also a high number of the elderly that never visit sites such as the Social Security Administration (n=94) and an even higher number (n=105) never visit local social service providers such as the Area Agency on Aging. This may be a problem that is easily corrected by advertising. If social services sites provided more advertising directed at the elderly and/or potentially alerted them that most services they may need area available on the Internet, these high numbers may be reduced.
Areas of further study
Because the scope of this research project was limited, there are several areas the researcher would recommend for further study. Perhaps the biggest area for further study would have the researcher study the urban versus rural landscape and the digital divide. It was dropped from this study because of the small area sampled and the possibility of corrupting the blind study aspect. Another area that merits further study is disabilities. There is published research and enough respondents that indicated that they had a disability to merit further research. It is believed by the researcher this is a major area of concern. If this area is studied further, the researcher must include more questions about the type of disability as well as possibly how the disability affects their accessing the Internet.
It is the recommendation of the researcher that any further studies do not rely solely on surveys. Because of the nature of who is being sampled, some respondents may be illiterate, have disabilities that may preclude them from completing the survey, or may not comprehend the technical questions. Any further studies should include, but not be limited to, phone interviews, focus groups, site visits, and surveys.
- APPENDIX A -
Augusta State University
Masters of Public Administration
Digital Divide Survey
The purpose of this survey is to gain an understanding of senior citizens access to and habits on the internet. Your response will help us evaluate the needs of senior citizens and propose solutions to your needs. I expect that it will take you approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete this survey. Participation is voluntary. Your answers are confidential, and only aggregate results of the survey will be reported. If you have any questions, please call Jody Wilson at 706-589-6511. Thank you very much for your response.
Technological Information
1a. How many computers do you have in your household?
__0 (Skip to 7) __2
__1 __3 or more
1b. Who is the primary user of the computer?
__ Me __ Spouse
__ Children __ Grandchildren
1c. Approximately how old is the computer you use most frequently?
__ Less than 1 year __3 years
__1 year __4 years
__2 years __ 5 or more years
2a. Do you have the option to subscribe to the Internet where you live?
__ Yes __No __Don't know
2b. If YES, what type of Internet connection do you have at home?
__ Regular telephone line __ Satellite Enabled Broadband
__ High-speed telephone line __ Cable modem/DSL
__ Unsure/Don't know __ Other: __________
2c. If NO, what is the MAIN reason that you don’t have Internet access at home?
__ Don't want it __ Afraid of computers and the internet
__ Too expensive __ Don’t know how to use it
__ Too Slow __ Can use it somewhere else
__ Other_____________
2d. If your primary access to the internet is dial-up, does this affect your decision to access the internet?
__ Yes __No
3. Do you access the Internet? If yes, how many times a day?
__Never __1-3 times daily
__4-10 times daily __More than 10 times daily
__ Other____________________
4. How do you use your computer?
__ Games __On-line Banking
__ Order prescriptions __E-Mail
__ Social Services (social security, etc)
__ Other __________________________________
5. Are you aware that most senior services are available on the internet? (Examples include but are not limited to: Social Security, Drivers license renewal, and prescription refills)
__Yes __No
6. If classes on how to navigate the internet were offered for little to no cost, would you attend them?
__ Yes __ No __ Not sure
Skill Set
7. Please evaluate your computer knowledge using the scale below (circle one)
1 — no knowledge 2 — some knowledge
3 — Moderate knowledge 4 — advanced knowledge
5 — expert level knowledge 6 — Don’t use
Basic computer skills 1 2 3 4 5 6
Word processors 1 2 3 4 5 6
Email 1 2 3 4 5 6
Navigating the internet 1 2 3 4 5 6
Completing on-line forms 1 2 3 4 5 6
Ordering on-line goods and services 1 2 3 4 5 6
8a. How often do you visit the following websites? Please respond using the scale below (circle one)
1 —daily 2 — weekly 3 — 3-4 times per month
4 — every 6 months 5 — never
Social Security Administration 1 2 3 4 5
Local News Websites 1 2 3 4 5
National News Websites 1 2 3 4 5
On-line drug stores 1 2 3 4 5
Department of Motor Vehicles 1 2 3 4 5
On-line Retail stores 1 2 3 4 5
On-Line Auctions sites 1 2 3 4 5
Area Agency on Aging 1 2 3 4 5
Web MD 1 2 3 4 5
Prescription Drug Sites 1 2 3 4 5
8b. Please rank the following websites on ease of use. Please respond using the scale below (circle one)
1 — Easy 2 — Moderate 3 — Hard
4 — Don’t Access
Social Security Administration 1 2 3 4
Local News Websites 1 2 3 4
National News Websites 1 2 3 4
On-line drug stores 1 2 3 4
Department of Motor Vehicles 1 2 3 4
On-line Retail stores 1 2 3 4
On-Line Auctions sites 1 2 3 4
Area Agency on Aging 1 2 3 4
Web MD 1 2 3 4
Prescription Drug Sites 1 2 3 4
Demographics
9. What is your gender? __Female __ Male
10. What is your age? __65-70 __70 and over
11. What is your ethnicity?
__ African American __ Latino/Hispanic
__ American Indian __ Asian
__ White __ Other_________________
12. What is the primary language that you speak in your household?
__English __ Spanish
__Other_____________
13. What is your annual house-hold income?
__ 0- 18,000 __ 18,001-28,000
__ 28,001- 38,000 __ 38,001-48,000
__ Over 48,000
14. Do you have a disability? (If no, skip to question 15)
__ Yes __ No
14b. Do your disabilities affect your ability to navigate the internet?
__ Yes __ No
15. What is the highest academic level you have achieved?
__ No High School __ Associate Degree
__ Some High School __ Bachelor’s Degree
__ High School Graduate/GED __ Master’s Degree
__ Some College
- APPENDIX B -
Introductory Speech to be given before the survey is administered by the researcher or mailed.
My name is Jody Wilson, and I am a student of the Masters of Public Administration Program at Augusta State University. Thank you very much for taking the time to participate in this survey.
The Masters of Public Administration program requires its students to conduct an applied research project in order to graduate and analyze community issues. One such issue for the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) is our senior citizen population and their access to the internet and all of the services available to that population.
I am interested in your feedback as it will be used for the following purpose:
Determine if the senior citizen population of the CSRA is affected by the digital divide and, if so, how this affects their access to e-governance and other on-line services.
You must be 18 years of age in order to participate. Please do not write your name on any of the survey so that your answers can remain anonymous. You are not required to answer any of these questions and your participation is completely voluntary. By completing and returning your survey, you are giving Mr. Wilson your consent to use the information you provided. If you have questions or concerns regarding this study please contact Jody Wilson at 706-589-6511 or mwilson7@aug.edu.
Research at Augusta State University is conducted under the guidance of the Oversight Committee on Human and Animal Research. Questions regarding the review process should be directed to the Chair of the committee, Dr. Richard Topolski at:
Augusta State University
Department of Psychology
2500 Walton Way
Augusta, GA 30904
Please place the completed survey into the self addressed envelope, attach postage, and mail by February 18, 2008.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Marion J. Wilson
-Appendix
C-
Chart 1
Chart 2
-Appendix D-
(Frequencies)
How many computers do you have in your household?
Frequency Percentage
Zero 32 23.7
One 65 54.2
Two 18 15.0
3 or more 5 4.2
Total 120 100
Who is the primary user of the computer?
Frequency Percentage
Me 47 39.2
Children 5 4.2
Spouse 14 11.7
Me and children 1 .8
Me and spouse 12 10.0
Children and grandchildren 4 3.3
N/A 32 26.7
Me, children, Spouse, and
grandchildren 1 .8
Me, spouse and grandchildren 3 2.5
Me, children, grandchildren 1 .8
Total 120 100
How old is the computer used most frequently?
Frequency Percentage
Less than one year 10 8.3
One year 8 6.7
Two years 18 15.0
Three years 17 14.2
Four years 16 13.3
5 or more years 16 13.3
N/A 33 27.5
Missing 2 1.7
Total 120 100
Do you have the option to subscribe to the Internet where you live?
Frequency Percentage
Yes 85 70.8
No 7 5.8
Don't know 22 18.3
Missing 6 5.0
Total 120 100
What type of Internet connection do you have at home?
Frequency Percentage
Regular telephone line 28 23.3
High Speed Internet 6 5.0
Unsure/Don't Know 7 5.8
Cable Modem 45 37.5
N/A 32 26.7
Missing 2 1.7
Total 120 100
What is the main reason that you don't have Internet access in your home?
Frequency Percentage
Don't want it 3 2.5
Too expensive 1 .8
Too Slow 1 .8
Don't know how to use it 8 6.7
Can use someone else's 1 .8
N/A 104 86.7
Missing 2 1.7
Total 120 100
If primary access to the internet is dial-up, does this affect your decision to access the internet?
Frequency Percentage
Yes 14 11.7
No 25 20.8
N/A 77 64.2
Missing 4 3.3
Total 120 100
How often do you access the internet on a daily basis?
Frequency Percentage
Never 40 33.3
1-3 times a day 45 37.5
4-10 times a day 19 15.8
More than 10 times a day 2 1.7
Other 7 5.8
N/A 7 5.8
Total 120 100
Do you use your computer to play games?
Frequency Percentage
Yes 28 23.3
No 58 48.3
N/A 34 28.3
Total 120 100
Do you use your computer to order prescriptions on-line? Frequency Percentage
Yes 15 12.5
No 71 59.2
N/A 34 28.3
Total 120 100
Do you use your computer to access social services? Frequency Percentage
Yes 13 10.8
No 72 60.0
N/A 35 29.2
Total 120 100
Do you use your computer to access on-banking services? Frequency Percentage
Yes 36 30.0
No 50 41.7
N/A 34 28.3
Total 120 100
Do you use your computer to access email? Frequency Percentage
Yes 67 55.8
No 19 15.8
N/A 34 28.3
Total 120 100
Do you use your computer for other purposes?
Frequency Percentage
Yes 50 41.7
No 33 27.5
N/A 37 30.8
Total 120 100
Are you aware that most senior services area available on the Internet? Frequency Percentage
Yes 70 58.3
No 33 27.5
Missing 17 14.2
Total 120 100
If classes on how to navigate the Internet where offered for little to no cost, would you attend them?
Frequency Percentage
Yes 44 36.7
No 33 27.5
Not sure 27 22.5
Missing 16 13.3
Total 120 100
Rate your knowledge level of basic computer skills
Frequency Percentage
No knowledge 21 17.5
Some knowledge 17 14.2
Moderate knowledge 24 20.0
Advanced knowledge 19 15.8
Expert level knowledge 17 14.2
Don't use 20 16.7
Missing 2 1.7
Total 120 100
Rate your knowledge level of word processors
Frequency Percentage
No knowledge 22 18.3
Some knowledge 17 14.2
Moderate knowledge 22 18.3
Advanced knowledge 20 16.7
Expert level knowledge 15 12.5
Don't use 22 18.3
Missing 2 1.7
Total 120 100
Rate your knowledge level of e-mail
Frequency Percentage
No knowledge 22 18.3
Some knowledge 11 9.2
Moderate knowledge 19 15.8
Advanced knowledge 21 17.5
Expert level knowledge 20 16.7
Don't use 25 20.8
Missing 2 1.7
Total 120 100
Rate your knowledge level of navigating the Internet
Frequency Percentage
No knowledge 22 18.3
Some knowledge 13 10.8
Moderate knowledge 27 22.5
Advanced knowledge 16 13.3
Expert level knowledge 18 15.0
Don't use 23 19.2
Missing 1 .8
Total 120 100
Rate your knowledge level of completing on-line forms
Frequency Percentage
No knowledge 24 20.0
Some knowledge 18 15.0
Moderate knowledge 22 18.3
Advanced knowledge 16 13.3
Expert level knowledge 15 12.5
Don't use 25 20.8
Total 120 100
Rate your knowledge level of ordering on-line goods and services Frequency Percentage
No knowledge 25 20.8
Some knowledge 14 11.7
Moderate knowledge 21 17.5
Advanced knowledge 19 15.8
Expert level knowledge 10 8.3
Don't use 31 25.8
Total 120 100
How often do you visit the Social Security Administration? Frequency Percentage
Daily 2 1.7
Weekly 1 .8
3-4 times per month 5 4.2
Every 6 months 17 14.2
Never 94 78.3
Missing 1 .8
Total 120 100
How often do you visit the local news websites? Frequency Percentage
Daily 21 17.5
Weekly 8 6.7
3-4 times per month 15 12.5
Every 6 months 8 6.7
Never 68 56.7
Total 120 100
How often do you visit national news websites? Frequency Percentage
Daily 16 13.3
Weekly 9 7.5
3-4 times per month 16 13.3
Every 6 months 7 5.8
Never 71 59.2
Missing 1 .8
Total 120 100
How often do you visit the Department of Motor Vehicles website? Frequency Percentage
Daily 5 4.2
Weekly 8 6.7
3-4 times per month 14 11.7
Every 6 months 21 17.5
Never 72 60.0
Total 120 100
How often do you visit on-line auction sites? Frequency Percentage
Daily 1 .8
Weekly 3 2.5
3-4 times per month 8 6.7
Every 6 months 6 5.0
Never 101 84.2
Missing 1 .8
Total 120 100
How often do you visit the Area on Agency website?
Frequency Percentage
Daily 1 .8
Weekly 4 3.3
3-4 times per month 2 1.7
Every 6 months 7 5.8
Never 105 87.5
Missing 1 .8
Total 120 100
How often do you visit Web Md?
Frequency Percentage
Daily 2 1.7
Weekly 3 2.5
3-4 times per month 11 9.2
Every 6 months 15 12.5
Never 88 73.3
Missing 1 .8
Total 120 100
How often do you visit prescription drug websites?
Frequency Percentage
Daily 2 1.7
3-4 times per month 12 10.0
Every 6 months 9 7.5
Never 95 79.2
Missing 2 1.7
Total 120 100
How easy is it to use and navigate the Social Security Website?
Frequency Percentage
Easy 11 9.2
Moderate 10 8.3
Hard 4 3.3
Don't access 93 77.5
Missing 2 1.7
Total 120 100
How easy is it to use and navigate local news websites?
Frequency Percentage
Easy 37 30.8
Moderate 17 14.2
Don't access 63 52.5
Missing 3 2.5
Total 120 100
How easy is it to use and navigate national news websites?
Frequency Percentage
Easy 34 28.3
Moderate 16 13.3
Don't access 67 55.8
Missing 3 2.5
Total 120 100
How easy is it to use and navigate on-line drug stores?
Frequency Percentage
Easy 11 9.2
Moderate 9 7.5
Hard 1 .8
Don't access 95 79.2
Missing 4 3.3
Total 120 100
How easy is it to use and navigate the Department of Motor Vehicles website?
Frequency Percentage
Easy 5 4.2
Moderate 9 7.5
Hard 4 3.3
Don't access 99 82.5
Missing 3 2.5
Total 120 100
How easy is it to use and navigate the on-line retail stores?
Frequency Percentage
Easy 25 20.8
Moderate 15 12.5
Hard 3 2.5
Don't access 75 62.5
Missing 2 1.7
Total 120 100
How easy is it to use and navigate on-line auction sites?
Frequency Percentage
Easy 11 9.2
Moderate 11 9.2
Hard 1 .8
Don't access 94 78.3
Missing 3 2.5
Total 120 100
How easy is it to use and navigate the Area on Aging website?
Frequency Percentage
Easy 7 5.8
Moderate 9 7.5
Hard 1 .8
Don't access 100 83.3
Missing 3 2.5
Total 120 100
How easy is it to use and navigate Web MD?
Frequency Percentage
Easy 16 13.3
Moderate 15 12.5
Hard 2 1.7
Don't access 83 69.2
Missing 4 3.3
Total 120 100
How easy is it to use and navigate prescription drug websites?
Frequency Percentage
Easy 13 10.8
Moderate 9 7.5
Hard 3 2.5
Don't access 92 76.7
Missing 3 2.5
Total 120 100
What is your gender?
Frequency Percentage
Female 62 51.7
Male 57 47.5
Missing 1 .8
Total 120 100
What is your age?
Frequency Percentage
65-70 50 41.7
70 and over 66 55.0
Missing 4 3.3
Total 120 100
What is your ethnicity?
Frequency Percentage
African American 35 29.2
American Indian 1 .8
Asian 2 1.7
White 81 67.5
Missing 1 .8
Total 120 100
What
is your primary language?
Frequency Percentage
English 117 97.5
Spanish 1 .8
Missing 2 1.7
Total 120 100
What
is your annual income?
Frequency Percentage
0-18000 27 22.5
180001-28000 15 12.5
28001-38000 9 7.5
38001-48000 14 11.7
Over 48000 38 31.7
Missing 17 14.2
Total 120 100
Do
you have a disability?
Frequency Percentage
Yes 28 23.3
No 80 66.7
Missing 12 10.0
Total 120 100
Does your disability affect your ability to navigate the Internet?
Frequency Percentage
Yes 2 1.7
No 44 36.7
N/A 61 50.8
Missing 13 10.8
Total 120 100
What is the highest academic level you have achieved?
Frequency Percentage
No high school 9 7.5
Some high school 9 7.5
High school graduate/GED 34 28.3
Some college 20 16.7
Associate degree 6 5.0
Bachelor's degree 20 16.7
Master's degree 11 9.2
PhD 9 7.5
Missing 2 1.7
Total 120 100
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