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Key determinants and usage patterns of mobile device proficiency in older adults
Hye Seung Choi1, Hee-Jung Song1
1University of Maryland College Park, Maryland, USA, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Nutrition and Food Science.
Geriatric Nursing (New York, N.Y.)
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Older adults with chronic diseases show varying mobile device skills, with lower proficiency linked to age, education, and food insecurity. Tailored digital literacy support is crucial for health management.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Health Informatics
- Digital Health
Background:
- Community-dwelling older adults often manage chronic diseases, requiring accessible health information and tools.
- Mobile devices offer potential for health management but proficiency varies significantly in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing mobile device proficiency and usage patterns in older adults with chronic diseases.
- To identify specific areas of digital skill gaps among this population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 164 older adults in a hypertension management program.
- Utilized the Mobile Device Proficiency Questionnaire to assess digital skills.
Main Results:
- Negative associations found between mobile device proficiency and age, education, and food insecurity.
- Positive association between proficiency and self-rated health.
- Proficiency in basic navigation and internet use was high; data management skills were low (<30%).
Conclusions:
- Older adults exhibit diverse mobile device proficiency, with notable deficits in advanced functions like data management.
- Early digital exposure and tailored educational resources are essential for improving digital health literacy.
- Healthcare policies should support community initiatives to bridge digital access gaps for older adults.
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