Active aging in the digital world: a focus on older YouTube creators

Abstract

Although older adults are traditionally thought to be passive content consumers, the number of older adults showing enthusiasm for creating and sharing video has increased. This study aims to understand older adults who are YouTube creators, called “Silver YouTubers” from the perspective of gerontology. Based on in-depth interviews with 15 older YouTubers, the results examine the dynamic processes involved in becoming an older YouTuber. Moreover, the results identified not only a total of six types of older YouTubers but also the effects of YouTuber activity in later life. Older adults become active content creators in pursuit of new social roles, despite various difficulties of learning video technology. Six types of Older YouTubers are identified regarding the purpose: Vlogger for personal records, Vlogger for knowledge share, Social networking seeker, Publicity seeker, Serious broadcaster, and Fun seeker. In addition to different purposes, older YouTubers also create various types of content by utilizing life course capital. The findings suggest that YouTuber activity facilitates active aging for older adults. Although this study has limitations due to the small number of interview participants, providing new images of older adults who are diverse active content creators is a meaningful contribution.