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Digital divide and life satisfaction in older adults: Evidence from a baseline survey of mHealth app users in Hong Kong
Date Issued
2023
Citation
Huang, D. S., Liu, C. P., Fong, F. F., Kwok, P. K., Yeung, E., Wong, C. K., Pang, W. S., Yeung, K. Y., Chan, K. Y., & Man, K. C. (2023 Nov 18). Digital divide and life satisfaction in older adults: Evidence from a baseline survey of mHealth app users in Hong Kong. 30th Annual Congress of Gerontology cum 37th Annual General Meeting, Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
Purpose
Digital health technologies, including mHealth applications, hold great potential for promoting healthy
aging among older adults. However, the persistent issue of the digital health divide, characterized by
varying technology adoption leading to unequal health and wellbeing outcomes, poses a barrier to
harnessing the full benefits of these technologies. This study explores the impact of the digital divide
on life satisfaction among older social services users in Hong Kong.
Method
This study draws from the baseline survey of a quasi-experimental multi-center panel investigation
that evaluates the effectiveness of an mHealth intervention. Participants aged 60 and above were
recruited from six NGOs in Hong Kong, assessing their levels of life satisfaction (LS), self-care selfefficacy (SCSE), health and wellbeing (HWB), and technology acceptance and competence (TAM-LR and
TAM-ICT), along with socioeconomic and demographic information.
Results
Between April and August 2023, 231 social service users (average age=79.28, SD=8.5, 76.1% female,
23.8% male) participated. Results revealed that female participants, individuals with no formal
education, the oldest-old, and those not cohabiting with their spouse had lower ICT competence
compared to their counterparts. Additionally, the oldest-old participants showed less acceptance of
mHealth technologies than their younger counterparts. Findings indicated that participants’ enhanced
self-care self-efficacy contributes to better health and wellbeing, consequently elevating their life
satisfaction. Furthermore, TAM-LR and TAM-ICT played a moderating role in the mediation between
SCSE, HWB, and LS, suggesting that participants with higher technological acceptance and competence
perceiving heightened self-efficacy in self-care, which positively impacts health and wellbeing, thereby
fostering greater life satisfaction.
Conclusion
The extent of technology acceptance and competence emerges as a crucial predictor of improved
health, wellbeing, and life satisfaction for older adults in Hong Kong. The study underscores the
importance of facilitating the equitable adoption of mHealth technologies among older adults.
Implications for health and social services will be drawn.
Availability at HKSYU Library
