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

L. Borghans, B.J. ter Weel

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademic

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.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Economics of Skills Obsolescence: Theoretical Innovations and Empirical Applications
EditorsAndries de Grip, Jasper van Loo, Ken Mayhew
Place of PublicationAmsterdam, Boston, London, New York, Oxford, Paris
PublisherElsevier Science
Pages139-173
Number of pages34
ISBN (Print)0-7623-0960-1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2002

Publication series

SeriesResearch in Labour Economics
NumberVol. 21

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