JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In a rapidly digitalizing world, the inability of older adults to leverage on digital technology has been associated with weaker social connections and poorer health outcomes. Despite the widespread digital adoption in Singapore, older adults especially those of lower socio-economic status (SES) still face difficulties in adopting information and communications technology (ICT).

Objective:

We aim to examine the impact of the volunteer-led, one-on-one, home-based digital literacy program on digital literacy and health-related outcomes like self-reported loneliness, social connectedness, quality of life and well-being for older adults of low SES.

Methods:

A non-randomized controlled study was carried out in Singapore between July 2020 and November 2021 involving 138 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥55 years and of lower SES. Older adults awaiting participation in the program were used as controls. Older adults under the intervention were equipped with a smartphone and cellular data, underwent fortnightly to monthly digital literacy training with volunteers to learn digital skills, and digitally connected to their existing social networks. Primary outcome was the improvement in self-reported digital literacy. Secondary outcomes included improvements in UCLA 3-item loneliness scale (UCLA-3), Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (LSNS-6), EQ-5D-3L and EQ VAS scores, and Personal Wellbeing Score (PWS).

Results:

There were significant improvements in digital literacy scores in the intervention group as compared to controls (Mean Difference: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.37,3.2; p < .001). Through multiple linear regression analyses, this difference in digital literacy scores remained independently associated with group membership after adjusting for differences in age, gender, education, living arrangement, housing type, and baseline social connectivity and loneliness status. There was no statistically significant difference in UCLA-3, LSNS-6, PWS, or EQ-5D Utility score and VAS score.

Conclusions:

Our current study adds to the growing research on digital inclusion by showing that a volunteer-led, one-on-one, home-based digital literacy program was able to increase digital literacy in older adults of low SES. Future studies should look into developing more elderly-friendly digital spaces and technology design to encourage continued digital adoption in older adults, and eventually impact health-related outcomes.