Digital inclusion is increasingly recognised as a social determinant of health, enabling older adults to access information, services, and social connections. Yet barriers such as limited skills, fear of scams, and health-related constraints persist, creating a digital divide that affects healthy ageing—even in smart-ageing Singapore.

This study, part of the Digitally Inclusive Healthy Ageing Communities (DIHAC) project, used a mixed-method design. Phase 1 involved citizen workshops (N=13) to explore barriers and opportunities in digital adoption. Phase 2 used a cross-sectional survey (N=361) to assess socio-demographics, internet use, digital skills across five domains, and eHealth literacy using validated scales. Phase 3 comprised focus groups and interviews to examine cultural and contextual factors. Quantitative data were analysed using robust and ordinal logistic regression, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.

Eighty-two percent of respondents used the internet, with smartphones as the main device (59%). Digital skills were moderate overall, with social skills highest (3.14±1.38) and creative skills lowest (1.74±0.87). Mean eHealth literacy was 22.2 (SD=9.8), with significant differences by age, education, and income (p<0.001). Higher digital skills and eHealth literacy were associated with technology use for diet improvement (β=0.53, p<0.001), healthcare access (β=0.31, p=0.042), and long-term care services (β=0.41, p=0.009). Qualitative findings highlighted facilitators (family support, affordable data plans) and demotivators (language barriers, scam fears), alongside cultural values of lifelong learning and independence. Digital inclusion supports healthy ageing and cognitive wellbeing but remains uneven among seniors. Strengthening public education, family support, and cross-sector collaboration is essential to bridge digital gap.

Authors:
Carol Ma, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore
Nyein Aung Myo, Juntendo university, Japan
Koyanagi Yuka, Juntendo University, Japan
Elizabeth Teo, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore
Myat Yadana Kyaw, Juntendo University, Japan
Thet Htoo Pan, Juntendo University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Carol Ma is the Head of the Gerontology Programme and Senior Fellow(Experiential Learning Centre) at the Singapore University of Social Sciences. Her research interests are healthy ageing, assisted living technologies, senior learning.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-ma-944443171/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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