Use of Digital Technology Among Older Adults in Poland With and Those Without Near Visual Impairment: Cross-Sectional...

The rapid evolution of digital technologies has transformed many aspects of daily life, offering substantial benefits for health and well-being through telemedicine and telehealth services. However, disparities in access to these technologies, particularly among older adults with visual impairments, remain a significant concern.

This study aimed to examine the differences in access to and use of digital technologies between older adults in Poland with near visual impairment and those without. In addition, it explored how sociodemographic factors, such as education level and place of residence, interact with near visual impairment to influence digital technology access and usage.

This cross-sectional analysis used data from the PolSenior2 project, a nationwide, multicenter survey conducted between 2018 and 2019. The sample included 5872 community-dwelling Polish adults aged 60 years and older, selected using a random, 3-stage, proportional sampling method, stratified by age and gender. Self-reported data on access to and usage of digital technologies, including smartphones, computers, and internet access, were collected. Near visual acuity was assessed using the Snellen chart for near vision.

Older adults with near visual impairment had significantly lower adjusted odds of owning and using digital devices compared to those without visual impairment. Specifically, the adjusted odds ratio of having and knowing how to use a smartphone was 0.62 (95% CI 0.46-0.84), a computer 0.65 (95% CI 0.50-0.86), and having internet access 0.64 (95% CI 0.48-0.83), all indicating lower access among individuals with visual impairment. Furthermore, these individuals were less likely to use the internet for tasks such as searching for information about goods and services (adjusted odds ratio 0.65, 95% CI 0.49-0.86).

Older adults with near visual impairment in Poland face significant barriers in accessing and using digital technologies. These disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions to bridge the digital divide and improve digital inclusion for visually impaired seniors, ensuring they can benefit from the advantages of digital health solutions. Further research is required to develop and evaluate strategies to promote digital equity in this vulnerable population.