Dietas mediáticas de adultos mayores peruanos para informarse, educarse y entretenerse: estudio exploratorio

This article explores the media diets of the elderly population over 60 years old in Peru, based on a nationwide panel study. Studies that address this age group are scarce and limited to examining audiences. To fill this gap, our research characterizes the use, motivations, and expectations of older adult media users. The final sample consists of 145 cases distributed by gender, socioeconomic level, and geographical location from across the country. An ad-hoc questionnaire of 30 items based on the Uses and Gratifications theory was designed and applied using the panel sampling technique. Media preferences were found for each studied purpose: smartphones for entertainment, television for information, and computers for education. Additionally, differentiated consumption was found in relation to described variables, driven by vital conditions, access and connectivity limitations, and media literacy of this population group. Future studies that address specific mediating variables in the motivations and needs of the elderly population are suggested.