Do older workers have more trouble using a computer than younger workers?

Abstract

This paper examines the computer use of older workers from the perspective that the availability of skills is not the only factor relevant for the decision to invest in computers. Using British data, we show that computer use does not depend on age when taking into account wage costs and the tasks to be performed. Older workers embody less computer skills than younger workers, but the relative lack of computer skills does not negatively affect the wages of older workers. Hence, the analysis does not find support for the concern about older workers not being able to cope with computers.

Citation

Borghans, L. and ter Weel, B. (2002), "Do older workers have more trouble using a computer than younger workers?", de Grip, A., van Loo, J. and Mayhew, K. (Ed.) The Economics of Skills Obsolescence (Research in Labor Economics, Vol. 21), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 139-173. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0147-9121(02)21009-2