Abstract

Population aging has become a defining global demographic trend. As of 2024, the proportion of adults aged 65+ continues to rise across countries. In developed nations, older adults account for 18% of the population in the United States, 23% in Germany, and 30% in Japan. Developing countries show similar patterns at slightly lower levels, with 15.4% in China. These shifts pose significant challenges for healthcare and social support systems(United Nations, 2024). The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected senior people, increasing social and physical isolation. Consequently, many seniors adopted digital technologies to maintain social connections and perform daily activities such as online shopping, banking, and communication. However, many individuals aged 65+ retired before the widespread adoption of smartphones and may have limited prior exposure to digital technologies. Seniors are also more likely to experience chronic conditions. Over 90% of those aged 65+ have at least one chronic disease, and about 75% have multiple conditions (Silberman, 2022). Digital technologies offer potential to address these challenges. Thus, this study conducted 20 semi-structured interviews in Beijing, China, in Sept. 2025, focusing on technology use for health management and daily activities. The sample includes 20 participants (35% male, 65% female), aged 63 to 93 (mean = 78.2, median = 78.5). Most (75%) were Beijing residents, while 25% were non-local. The majority (80%) had professional backgrounds; 20% held nonprofessional jobs, and one participant remained self-employed. In terms of technology use, 18 participants used social media (primarily WeChat) to communicate with family and friends, while two relied solely on phone calls. Sixteen participants used mobile apps for shopping, payments, or entertainment. However, only five used search engines for health information, and five reported using AI tools for general information. Four participants required assistance from adult children to use smartphones, and only three had prior workplace computer experience. Use of digital technologies for chronic disease management was rare: only one participant reported such use following a physician’s recommendation, and another mentioned a friend’s experience. Overall, while many older adults adopt basic digital tools for communication and daily activities, adoption of digital health technologies remains limited. Key barriers include advanced age, low digital confidence, and reliance on family support. These findings highlight both the opportunities and challenges of leveraging digital technologies to support healthy aging.

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