PUBLIC SECTOR ONLINE COMMUNICATION CHANNEL ADOPTION AND USAGE AMONGST OLDER ADULTS: A UK LOCAL GOVERNMENT PERSPECTIVE

The UK government like many other countries around the globe has moved from classic communica-tion channels of delivering services (face-to-face, or the telephone) to a more digital approach using the internet. This includes using the internet as both a communication tool and an information source to improve efficiency in their services. Access to, and growth of these online communication mediums due to the internet has created new opportunities for the public sector; thus, forcing the public sector to adapt to this changing environment by introducing online products and services. However, not all the citizens are making use of these changes; particularly, for the purposes of this research, the older adults. Of all the various age groups in society, the ageing population is one that is presently causing immense concern. Therefore, the aim of this research-in-progress paper is to understand and identify the factors that encourage older adults to continue using a particular online communication channel when interacting with the government. This research-in-progress paper also provides the implications and benefits of this research to academia, policy makers and industry in this study and the future directions, limitations and conclusions of this paper.