Descriptive Study of Internet Access and Digital Literacy Among Elderly Populations in Kwara State

Digital inclusion of elderly citizens is increasingly important as government services, financial transactions, and social communication migrate to digital platforms, yet this population segment remains understudied in North Central Nigeria. This study conducted a descriptive analysis of internet access patterns and digital literacy levels among persons aged 60 and above in Ilorin East, Ilorin West, and Offa Local Government Areas, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. A structured questionnaire administered to 300 elderly respondents collected data on device ownership, internet access frequency, platform use, digital skill self-assessment, and barriers to digital participation. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation were applied. Results showed that smartphone ownership was 38.7 percent, with internet usage reported by only 27.3 percent of respondents. WhatsApp was the most commonly used platform among internet users at 81.6 percent. Digital literacy scores were low overall, with most respondents unable to perform banking transactions or access government services online. Gender analysis revealed that elderly women were significantly less likely to own a smartphone or use the internet. Educational attainment above primary level was the strongest correlate of internet use among elderly respondents. Over 72 percent cited difficulty of operation as the primary barrier, followed by cost and distrust of online financial transactions. Recommendations include community digital literacy programmes specifically designed for elderly learners, large-interface digital tools for improved usability, and government incentive schemes for affordable smartphones targeting senior citizens across Kwara State.

Keywords: digital literacy, elderly population, internet access, Kwara State, digital inclusion