Understanding the role of policy to bridge the digital divide of the elderly

A qualitative content analysis

Abstract

Background:
In the digital age, the growing elderly people has gradually been marginalized and become a " vulnerable group " who is facing the digital divide problems that need to be solved urgently. With the support of relevant policies, all sectors of society have attached great importance to the digital shift for the elderly, which has brought certain convenience to their life, but there is still a reality of insufficient digital inclusion for them. So, re-examining the existing policies in related fields is necessary.
Objectives:
The article aims at examining potential inadequacies in policies about the digital divide of the elderly, and proposes corresponding policy recommendations to enhance the well-being and sense of acquisition of the elderly worldwide.
Methods:
By the perspective of policy tools, this study undertakes content analysis method to code and analyze 44 policy texts related to the digital divide of the elderly using NVivo12 qualitative analysis software.
Results:
It indicates that 'supply-based tool' accounted for the highest proportion (55.20%), followed by 'environment-based tool' (30.40%), and the lowest was 'demand-based tool' (14.40%) by the analysis of policy tool dimensions. Analyzing the dimension of 'policy tool-behavior subject' found that the proportion of policy regulations related to the 'government' is the highest (46.94%), and the proportion of 'academic and research institutions' is the lowest (2.33%). Relevant policies have the problems of unbalanced structure of policy tools and insufficient vitality of policy participation of multiple actors.
Main Contribution to Evidence-Based Practice:
The article contributes to promoting evidence-based practice and policy-making for the elderly facing the digital divide in China and worldwide, and helping the elderly enjoy better life in modern society.