The role of gender in supporting active and healthy ageing by ICT Solutions: Learning from Latvian, Polish and Swedish older adults

Abstract

Facing the challenges related to ageing population with the help of ICT solutions may depend on various socioeconomic factors and differences in attitudes between women and men. This quantitative study investigates the role of gender in the possibility of using ICT for an active and healthy ageing in Latvia, Poland, and Sweden focusing on (1) needs which are considered important for independent and satisfying ageing and (2) technological solutions that should be developed to support independent and healthy ageing. In our approach to statistical data analysis we adopted the ordered logistic model. The findings implicate that gender differences in adoption of ICT for active and healthy ageing may vary between countries. In particular, with respect to the needs, the gender differences appear the greatest in Sweden, while as regards technological solutions, the gender gap is visible only in Poland. The results also show a need to develop some technologies regardless of socioeconomic considerations, such as technologies supporting independent living of elderly women and communication technologies allowing older women to participate in cultural activities.