The Digital Divide Among the Elderly in China in the Context of Aging
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53797/ujssh.v4i2.27.2025Keywords:
Digital divide, Elderly, China, AgingAbstract
From the perspective of China's aging, this study analyzes existing literature, summarizes the definition of the digital divide, and analyzes the characteristics of digital divide in China. Compared with the eastern coastal areas, the digital divide is more serious in the central and western regions, and compared with urban elderly people, the elderly in rural areas is at a disadvantage in using digital resources. The digital divide affects the quality of life among the elderly through mental health, social interaction, and overall life satisfaction. Finally, the causes of the digital divide among the elderly are analyzed, including uneven distribution of infrastructure, poverty, unfriendly interface design, psychological barriers to accepting and applying smart products, limited education, lower digital capabilities, insufficient confidence in participating in digitalization, inaccurate expression of demand information, limited emotional support, and Internet risks. This study proposes five solutions, including providing financial support, improving access to the Internet and information systems, improving digital literacy, strengthening intergenerational communication, and strengthening information privacy protection as measures to bridge the digital divide among the elderly.
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