STRENGTHENING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY SKILLS OF THE ELDERLY FOR ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SERVICES IN THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION AREA BANG SAPHAN NOI DISTRICT PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN PROVINCE

Abstract

This mixed-method research aimed to 1) study the level of digital technology skill development of the elderly, 2) study personal characteristics related to digital technology skill development of the elderly, 3) study factors of technology acceptance of the elderly that have a causal relationship with digital technology skill development of the elderly, and 4) study guidelines for digital technology skill development of the elderly. The sample consisted of 377 elderly people living in local administrative organizations in Bang Saphan Noi District and 14 key informants. Data were analyzed using percentages, means, standard deviations, chi-square, multiple regression, and content analysis. The results of the study found that 1) the overall digital technology skill development of the elderly was at a high level. 2) Personal characteristics, including education level and average monthly income, were significantly related to digital technology skill development of the elderly at a statistical level of 0.001. Age and occupation were significantly related at a statistical level of 0.01. 3) Factors of technology acceptance of the elderly, including perceived benefits, social influence, and perceived ease of use, were significantly related to digital technology skill development of the elderly. Statistically significant at the 0.001 level and attitudes towards usage have a statistically significant relationship at the 0.01 level. 4) Guidelines for enhancing digital technology skills of the elderly found that knowledge and understanding should be provided through various channels. Government public service applications should use easy-to-understand language, organize training activities or workshops, and create networks to create public service innovations through digital systems.