JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital technologies are increasingly central to supporting autonomy, health, and social participation in later life. However, disparities persist in the ability to keep up with technological developments, affecting individuals’ opportunities to benefit from digital health and social innovations.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with individuals’ self-reported ability to keep up with technology developments, focusing on generational differences, attitudes toward digital tools, and socio-demographic characteristics.

Methods:

We conducted a national cross-sectional online survey in Sweden with 2,121 respondents aged 30–39, 50–59, and 70–79 years. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify associations between self-reported ability to keep up with technology and independent variables, including attitudes toward information and communication technology (ICT), gender, education, self-rated economic situation, and general health.

Results:

Most respondents reported being able to keep up with technological developments. Compared to the oldest generation, younger adults were significantly more likely to report this ability. Positive attitudes toward ICT, particularly perceptions of technologies as user-friendly, time-saving, and supporting independence, were strongly associated with the reported ability to keep up. Notably, both low and high self-rated economic status were linked to lower odds of keeping up compared to those with moderate economic status. Gender disparities were observed, with men more likely than women to report keeping up with technology.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that digital inclusion in ageing societies is shaped by complex and intersecting factors that go beyond age. Promoting equitable digital engagement requires addressing attitudinal, economic, and gender-related barriers, and fostering inclusive technology design and support systems for both current and future generations of older adults.