The Impact of Digital Divide on Older Adults’ Health Outcomes: A Literature Analysis

Authors

• Jiayi Chen, Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, ChinaFollow
• Hao Song, Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, ChinaFollow
• Siyan Chen, Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, ChinaFollow
• Jueni Lyu, Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China; Institute of Systems Medicine and Health SciencesFollow
• Christy M. K. Cheung, Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China; Institute of Systems Medicine and Health SciencesFollow

Abstract

The rapid development of digital health technologies has turned the digital divide among older adults into a pressing public health issue. Current empirical evidence remains fragmented and inconsistent, yielding limited consensus on the pathways by which the digital divide influences health outcomes in this population. To synthesize extant knowledge, we conducted a literature analysis of 41 peer-reviewed articles. Our analysis reveals substantial heterogeneity in reported associations between the digital divide and older adults’ health outcomes. Drawing on these insights, we introduce an integrative framework that delineates direct and indirect mechanisms linking dimensions of the digital divide (access, usage and benefit) to health outcomes (physical, mental and behavioral), and that situates these mechanisms within key contextual factors. We conclude by identifying methodological gaps and priorities for future research to improve causal inference and inform interventions aimed at reducing digital health inequities in older populations.

Recommended Citation

Chen, Jiayi; Song, Hao; Chen, Siyan; Lyu, Jueni; and Cheung, Christy M. K., "The Impact of Digital Divide on Older Adults’ Health Outcomes: A Literature Analysis" (2026). ICEB 2026 Proceedings (Beijing, China). 103.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/iceb2026/103