Examining the Digital Technology Usage of Older Adults as Determinants of Life Satisfaction in the Digital Divide

The digital divide has become a growing source of inequality, as older adults face challenges in adopting and using digital technologies in daily life. Few studies have explored how different types of digital technology usage in various life domains among older adults impact their overall well-being. This study addresses this gap by suggesting effective directions for reducing the cross-generational digital divide. To this end, it analyzed de-identified secondary data from 864 South Korean adults above 65 years, surveyed by the National Information Society Agency (NIA). The findings show that digital efficacy positively affects older adults’ life satisfaction, mediated by their perceptions of digital technology. Additionally, social networking through digital technology positively influences their life satisfaction through the same mediation. Our findings suggest that policymakers should prioritize the development of educational programs to improve digital efficacy and social networking, which will ultimately enhance older adults’ well-being.