Back to Search Start Over

Digital Inclusion among Community Older Adults in the Republic of Korea: Measuring Digital Skills and Health Consequences

Authors :
Thet Htoo Pan
Myo Nyein Aung
Eun Woo Nam
Yuka Koyanagi
Hocheol Lee
Li Li
Myat Yadana Kyaw
Nadila Mulati
Saiyud Moolphate
Carol Ma Hok Ka
Jan A. G. M. van Dijk
Motoyuki Yuasa
Source :
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, Vol 14, Iss 8, Pp 2314-2336 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

Many older adults are increasingly embracing digital technology in the Republic of Korea. This study investigated the relationship between the digital skills of Korean older adults and their perceived health status and digital technology application for health promotion. This mixed-method study comprised a community survey of 434 older adults aged ≥65 in two cities in South Korea, followed by focus group interviews. Five types of digital skills, ‘operational internet skills’, ‘information navigation skills’, ‘social skills’, ‘creative skills’, and ‘mobile skills’, were measured using the LSE digital skill measurement instrument. Multivariable analysis identified the influence of digital skills on health-related outcomes. Among them, ‘social skills’ associated positively with self-rated health (β 0.37, 95%CI 0.08, 0.65). ‘Information navigation skills’ contributed positively to the use of digital technology and the internet for a healthy lifestyle in terms of improving eating habits (β 0.43, 95%CI 0.09, 0.77), accessing healthcare (β 0.53, 95%CI 0.21, 0.85), and accessing long-term care services (β 0.45, 95%CI 0.11, 0.79). Thematic analysis revealed that the study participants use Korean language-based resources such as Naver and Kakao Talk for social connection to promote a healthy lifestyle. This study concludes that encouraging initial and sustained use of the internet and enhancing digital skills among Korean older adults can promote active and healthy aging.

Details

Language :
English, Spanish; Castilian
ISSN :
22549625 and 21748144
Volume :
14
Issue :
8
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.55ef7cc0af4a4051a241098e7f234614
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe14080154