Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Feb 5, 2024
Date Accepted: Jan 21, 2025
Profiles of Digital Literacy Among Community-Dwelling Korean Older Adults: A Latent Profile Analysis
ABSTRACT
Background:
Digital divide is evident not only between older and younger generations but also within the older adult population. Recognizing digital literacy profiles among older adults is essential for pinpointing strategies to reduce digital divide within this population.
Objective:
This study aimed to identify profiles of digital literacy among community-dwelling older adults and examine associated factors.
Methods:
Data were collected from a national survey of 1,016 community-dwelling older adults in Korea (average age 68.0±6.5 years, 47.8% male). Digital literacy was evaluated across three domains: 'Information and Communication' (9 items), 'Contents Creation and Management' (4 items), and 'Safety and Security' (9 items).
Results:
Latent profile analysis and multinomial logistic regression yielded three digital literacy profiles: “Low-level” (35.7%, n=363), “Middle-level” (39.2%, n=398), and “High-level” (25.1%, n=255). Compared to the middle-level group, a higher likelihood of belonging to the low-level group was associated with older age, lower education level, lower dependence on instrumental activities of daily living, shorter history of digital device use, and non-participation in offline social activities. In contrast, a higher likelihood of belonging to the high-level group compared to middle-level group was associated with younger age, male sex, higher education level, participating in income-generating activities, longer history of digital device use, better physical well-being, doing daily physical exercise, and greater social support.
Conclusions:
These findings highlight the characteristics associated with lower digital literacy and suggests tailored approach to address needs of heterogeneous groups of older adults in the digitalized society. To promote digital literacy in older adults, potential strategies encompass improved access and guidance for digital device use specifically tailored to older adults, alongside efforts to foster social support and engagement in social activities.
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