Family relationships and use of digital technologies among older Italians: A broad assessment based on a new nationally representative survey (ICTAGE)

Bruno Arpino, Università Di Padova
Cecilia Tomassini, University of Molise
Emilio Travaglini, University of Molise
Luca Maraniello, University of Padova
Natalia Soboleva , University of Padua

Family ties may shape older adults’ digital inclusion via motivation, assistance, and proxy use, yet population-based evidence is scarce. We introduce ICTAGE, a nationally representative CATI survey conducted in July–August 2025 on 1,550 Italians aged 60–85. The study jointly measures family structures and relationships alongside multiple dimensions of digital inclusion—skills, motivations, worries, uses, and assisted/proxy use. The sample was obtained through stratified quota sampling by area, age, and gender; the questionnaire covers sociodemographics and well-being, digital competences/uses/attitudes, family relations and mutual support, and information on children/grandchildren. We present weighted descriptives and outline multivariable analyses, including ordinal models for skills, multinomial logit and Poisson models for activity profiles and diversification, and latent class analysis to identify independent, assisted/proxy, and non-users.. Preliminary descriptive results indicate that digital skills are heterogeneous: 13% report no or very low skills, while more than one third reach medium–high levels; fear of making mistakes (46%) and difficulty learning (41%) are common barriers. Internet use is substantial yet polarized: about half are daily users, while over one fifth report no use in the past six months. Children are the main helpers (36%), followed by partners; around one quarter have no one to turn to. Two-thirds report very or extremely close relationships with children; digital contact is widespread but does not replace in-person ties. This study examines how family resources are associated with digital access, skills, and reliance on proxy help across essential domains (health, banking, SPID/e-government). Findings will inform interventions aimed at expanding autonomous use among the least connected, while leveraging family support where appropriate.

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 Presented in Session 59. Digitalisation, Intergenerational Relations and Wellbeing in Later Life