Samenvatting

Information and communications technology (ICT) has the potential to contribute to the quality of life of older
adults. The aim of this study was to analyze the use of a broad array of ICT devices and services among Dutch
older adults and to determine whether demographics and health outcomes are associated with this use. A
questionnaire was dispensed among a group of Dutch older adults (≥65 years). A univariate analysis of
covariance was used to analyse results. Two hundred ninety-one subjects filled out the questionnaire.
Reported use of newer technologies was lower compared with older technologies. Increased age (p = 0.048,
Confidence Interval [CI]: –0.73: –0.004), lower degree of education (p = 0.008, CI: –59.64: –5.59), birthplace
outside of Europe (p = 0.024, CI: –21.99: –0.73), lower income (p = 0.005, CI: –46.44:25.38), less arthrosis of the
hands (p = 0.042, CI: –1.38:21.11), and a lower physical functioning (p = 0.008, CI: 1.43:9.41) resulted in a lower
ICT use score with an adjusted R2 of 0.311. Older adults are slower to adapt to newer technologies. It appears it
is not the degree of physical restrictions, but rather the degree of adaptability to these restrictions that influence the use of ICT.