Digital Exclusion and Cognitive Function in Elderly Populations in Developing Countries: Insights Derived From 2...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Cognitive disorders present significant health and socioeconomic challenges, impacting daily activities.
• Understanding digital exclusion's effect on cognition is vital, especially in developing nations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the link between digital exclusion and cognitive function in elderly populations within developing countries.
• To analyze longitudinal changes in cognitive scores related to internet access.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and Mexican Health & Aging Study (MHAS).
• Defined digital exclusion as self-reported internet non-usage; cognitive function assessed via 5 tests.
• Employed logistic regression and generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses, controlling for confounders.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence of digital exclusion was observed (96.78% in CHARLS, 70.02% in MHAS).
• Digital exclusion was significantly associated with worse cognitive performance in both cohorts (OR 2.04 in CHARLS, OR 1.40 in MHAS).
• Adjusted analyses showed significant differences in global cognitive scores between digitally excluded and included individuals.

Conclusions:

• Significant digital exclusion exists among older adults in developing countries, particularly in China.
• Digital exclusion is a risk factor for cognitive decline in this demographic.
• Increasing internet access could be a strategy to support cognitive health in older populations.