Digital Exclusion Among Older Adults: A Concept Analysis Based on Scoping Review

Digital exclusion is characterized as a complex, multidimensional issue that involves multiple influencing factors. There is currently no consensus on the concept of digital exclusion due to inconsistencies and lack of conceptual clarification across the literature. This study aimed to clarify the conceptual definition of digital exclusion among older adults through a scoping review and concept analysis. The review followed Walker and Avant's concept analysis methodology and Arksey and O'Malley's five-stage framework, and used thematic analysis to synthesize three key attributes, antecedents and consequences of digital exclusion across individual, intermediary, and societal dimensions, respectively. Based on these findings, a conceptual definition of digital exclusion was developed. Such exclusion restricts their digital participation and consequently exacerbates existing health and social inequities. In the future, structural reforms including equitable infrastructure allocation and age-inclusive policy frameworks are necessary to prevent digital exclusion of older adults.