Digital Divides Revisited:A Process View of the Acquisitions of Information and Communication Technology(ICT)Skills by the Elderly

This paper explores the process of information and communication technology (ICT) skill acquisition by senior citizens. Its aim is to explore the successes and problems of such endeavors, and to rethink the age-related digital divide issue. This paper first reviews literature relating to the digital divide, especially issues concerning ICT skill acquisition by senior citizens. The paper then reports an empirical study on this topic and concludes that three factors-age-related issues, the necessity of acquiring specific skills for ICT usage, and pre-adjustments in ICT targeting younger people-create barriers for acquisition of ICT skills by older people. Comprehensive and immediate social support may help older people bridge the barriers, however. Moreover, with particular regard to the digital divide, those who provide services to the elderly should not only focus on content delivery and resources, but thoroughly reconsider their methods as well. Understanding the interests and needs of older people as well as assessing available social support may help the elderly acquire ICT skills more successfully. Devising suitable curricula and securing social support outside the family can therefore be crucial.