Although older adults are known to be resistant to adapting to new technology, and have been isolated from its benefits, there is significant evidence of an increasing number of older adults who utilize the Internet. Specifically, a national survey in 1997 showed 15% (12 million) of home computer users were age 50 and over. Another survey indicated that 12.7% of older adults aged 55 years and over used the Internet or other online service in 2000. In recent years, Web surveys, as data collection methods, have been used favorably by many researchers. Studies also indicated that these Web surveys also could be successfully used for older adults. Web surveys, however, impose specific limitations in conducting and analyzing results of studies. In addition, when Web surveys are employed for older adults, researchers need to consider additional specific issues and limitations not evident in surveying younger adults. In the literature, however, the lack of reports that address these limitations of web surveys specifically for older adults was duly noted.
Based on an extensive literature review, qualitative work, and the findings from a Web survey, this descriptive study explores the current status of knowledge in conducting Web surveys among older adults, and analyzes the benefits and limitations of these surveys.
In Web surveys, consent can be obtained directly from the Web based interaction. The following advantages of general Web surveys can be applied to Web surveys with older adults: (1) the ability to reach a large number of subjects without geographic or time boundaries; (2) efficiency regarding time and costs; (3) reduction of data entry error; (4) minimal missing data; and (5) instant data collection. The following disadvantages also exist: (1) varying degree of complexity and user friendliness of Web surveys depending on the developer’s technological competency and available resources; (2) inherent bias related to self-selected respondents; (3) biases related to the nature of population who have Internet access (more educated, Caucasian with relatively high incomes; and (4) varying levels of computer literacy. In addition to those usual advantages and disadvantages, researchers need to consider additional aspects of web surveys employing older adults. First, many older adults are receptive to web surveys. Computer literacy, however, is more varied than among other age groups. Therefore, researchers need to pay special attention to instructions and computer/Internet terminology used on the web page. In addition, consideration must be given to the specific physical barriers to computer use among older adults, such as the visual acuity deficit, problems with motor control, arthritis, weakened arm(s), use of a wheelchair, and difficulty with sitting in a chair or a wheelchair. Reading level, size of font, and format of questionnaire, as well as graphics, background and color of the web page need to be specifically designed for older adults. The web page needs to be simple in design and not too technical. A help desk which can assist older adults in completing the Web page may be necessary. Researchers, however, need to make sure that this help desk does not alter the outcome of the research.
Although limitations and issues specific to older adults exist, it is feasible to conduct Web surveys among older adults. Moreover, considering the wide use of computers among recent middle age groups, Web surveys among older adults could become more popular in the future. The Web survey pages need to be designed considering specific aspects of older adults and their knowledge of computers. In addition, older adults may need assistance to complete the Web survey.
Further studies which explore hindrances of Web surveys among older adults and methodologies that can assist older adults in completing web surveys are needed. Considering specific physical limitations of older adults, e.g., impaired hearing, difficulty with walking, etc., Web surveys can be used as an efficient data collection tool under certain circumstances.
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