Chapter 11: Engagement Modes of Older Adults Using Information Technology

Due to Australia’s aging and retiring population, older adults are being encouraged to engage in further studies to rejoin the workforce so that society may use their knowledge and experience. Current international financially turbulent times have also seen able-bodied retirees rejoining the workforce due to financial limitations of self-funded retirement. Many of these individuals have not used or have limited experience using information technology (IT). Additionally, their perceptions of the use and usefulness of IT may be significantly different from those who have used IT throughout their education and/or careers. Therefore, having an understanding of older adults’ attitudes toward and engagement modes with IT is needed. This knowledge can assist with the development of IT training programs, as evidenced by a volunteer association’s training manual developed and designed for older adults, which incorporates an understanding of the uniqueness of this group of individuals.