Table 4 presents the results of regressing computer ownership on Cumulative Inequality variables and Intergenerational Solidarity variables. The statistics presented are odds ratios and confidence intervals. Recall that I ran three models; Model 1 tests the twelve theory-based variables without controls; Model 2 adds the control variables. The third model limits the sample to retirees only. All three models met the criteria for goodness-of-fit (Chi²). The comparisons and interpretations of these models will either support or refute the proposed hypotheses. Additionally, all three models resulted in similar statistical significance or non- significance (R²= .134, .137 and .133, respectively).
In Model 1, total family income is positively and significantly associated with owning a computer. Each one percent increase in logged income is associated with an 11% increase in the probability of owning a computer. Educational attainment also is significantly associated with computer ownership; respondents who have attained a post-Bachelor degree are five times as likely to own a computer as high school graduates on average, while college graduates and those with some college are 2.8 times and 1.96 times as likely to own a computer compared to high school graduates.
Neither respondents' retirement status, nor their spouses', is significantly associated with computer ownership. However, having an employer-paid pension plan, either the respondent’s or the spouse’s, is significantly associated with computer ownership. Respondents who receive an employer-paid pension have a 22% greater probability of owning a computer than
respondents who do not receive an employer-paid pension. Respondents whose spouse receives an employer-paid pension have a 22% greater probability of owning a computer than
Wealth accumulation is significantly associated with computer ownership. Each one percent increase in logged accumulated wealth is associated with a 19% increase in the probability of owning a computer.
Employer-paid health insurance is significantly associated with computer ownership. Respondents who receive employer-paid health insurance have a 21% greater probability of owning a computer than respondents who do not receive employer-paid health insurance.
Having children is significantly associated with computer ownership. Each additional child is associated with a 10% increase in the probability of owning a computer. However, having an adult child living in the respondent’s home is not significantly associated with computer ownership.
Marital status is significantly associated with computer ownership. Respondents who are unmarried have a 100% increase in the probability of owning a computer than respondents who are married.
In Model 2, which adds controls for gender and self-reported health status, we see little change from model 1, except for retirement status. Each one percent increase in logged income is associated with a 12% increase in the probability of owning a computer. Older adults who attained a post-Bachelor's degree are still 4.93 times more likely to own a computer as high school graduates on average, while college graduates and those with some college are 2.73 times and 1.95 times more likely to own a computer compared to high school graduates. Completely retired older adults have an 18% increased probability of owning a computer compared to older adults who are partially retired. Yet, retirement status is not significantly associated with
computer ownership. The respondents' spouses' retirement status on computer ownership also is not statistically significant. Respondents who receive an employer-paid pension (but not
spouse's retirement plan) have a 21% increase in the probability of owning a computer than respondents who do not receive an employer-paid pension. Each one percent increase in logged accumulated wealth is associated with a 17% increase in the probability of owning a computer. Respondents who receive employer-paid health insurance have a 20% increase in the probability of owning a computer than respondents who do not receive employer-paid health insurance. Each additional child is associated with a 10% increase in the probability of owning a computer. Respondents who are unmarried (variable= nospouse) have a 70% increase in the probability of owning a computer than respondents who are married.
In Model 3,which limits the sample to those completely retired, there are no major differences in predictors on computer ownership compared to all older adults. Each one percent increase in logged income is associated with a 9% increase in the probability of owning a computer. Older adults who attained a post-Bachelor's degree are 5.09 times as likely to own a computer as high school graduates on average, while college graduates and those with some college are 2.69 times and 1.82 times as likely to own a computer compared to high school graduates. Retired respondents who receive an employer-paid pension have a 26% increase in the probability of owning a computer than respondents who are not retired. Retired respondents with accumulated wealth have a 19% increase in the probability of owning a computer than respondents who are not retired. Retired older adults have a 26% increase in the probability of owning a computer when they receive employer-paid health insurance compared to those without employer-paid health insurance. Each additional child is associated with an 11% increase in the probability of owning a computer. Retired respondents who are not married have a 42% increase in the probability of owning a computer compared to those who are married.