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The role of digital literacy among older adults in the continuance intention toward smart care service platforms: survey study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The deployment of smart care service platforms for older adults (SCSPs) is a significant initiative to proactively address population aging. However, the substantial investment of funds and resources in building SCSPs contrasts sharply with the current lack of continuously active older users. This contradiction is further exacerbated by the deficiency of digital literacy and usage among older adults. Previous studies have generally overlooked the important role of SCSPs. Moreover, few studies have examined how digital literacy among older adults affects their continuance intention toward SCSPs. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the intrinsic mechanism by which digital literacy among older adults influences their continuance intention toward SCSPs, and find ways to encourage SCSPs' success. METHODS: This study develops a theoretical model of the impact of digital literacy among older adults on the continuance intention toward SCSPs by drawing on the DeLone and McLean information system success model and social influence theory. A questionnaire survey was administered to 712 older users of SCSPs in China, and the gathered data were empirically analyzed using structural equation modelling. RESULTS: The results indicate that digital literacy among older adults influences continuance intention toward SCSPs both directly and indirectly. Although the direct effect is modest, digital literacy also exerts indirect effects through perceived information quality, system quality, and service quality. The relationship between digital literacy and perceived system quality is positively moderated by social influence. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that if government administrators and platform developers want to implement effective SCSP development and promotion strategies, they need to pay attention to improving older adults' digital literacy, optimizing the platform's information, system, and service quality, and strengthening external publicity to enhance the platforms' social influence.

Source: BMC Geriatrics

DOI: 10.1186/s12877-026-07625-1

Authors: Zijun Mao, Rongxiao Yan

Institution: Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Technology Use by Older Adults

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190