New inequalities in Mediterranean countries: Use of information and communi̇cation technologies by the elderly in Italy, France and Turkey

Objective: The main purpose of the study is to try to understand and interpret the competencies of using information and communication technologies on the basis of different countries. By this means, it aims to identify the areas that require intervention by identifying the gaps that increase the inequalities that occur in digital. In this context, it is to produce predictions for aging policies by comparing the elderly populations of Turkey, which is now an old country, and France and Italy, which are the northern Mediterranean countries. Method: Secondary data analysis technique was used in this study. Data are obtained from the European Quality of Life Survey (EQoLS). EQoLS is a longitudinal study that is being conducted simultaneously in several European countries. Italy, France and Turkey data were analyzed using the SPSS program. Results: Among the three countries, seniors in France have the highest volume of digital capital. Italy follows France. The elderly with the lowest digital capital live in Turkey. In Turkey, elderly women, especially those living in rural areas, are the most disadvantaged. Conclusion: In France and Italy, digital ownership is provided, albeit at a minimal level. However, in the context of digital competencies, the elderly differ from each other. In Turkey, on the other hand, the elderly differ from each other in terms of both digital ownership and digital competence levels.