Cognitive abilities and internet use among older adults in the Czech Republic and Slovenia

Information and communication technologies (ICT) now play a vital role in addressing a wide range of personal and societal needs across various domains. This cross-sectional study investigates the association between cognitive abilities and ICT use among older adults in the Czech Republic and Republic of Slovenia.

We used data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe wave 8 (2019) for the Czechia and Slovenia. Cognitive abilities were measured through 10-word list learning tasks and numeracy tests, while digital engagement was assessed by the frequency of internet use in the past 7 days.

Descriptive analyses and regression modeling revealed that higher cognitive abilities were significantly associated with greater ICT use in both Czechia and Slovenia, even after excluding individuals with probable cognitive impairments. This association remained robust after controlling for age, education, gender, and living arrangements. In addition to advancing age, lower cognitive functioning emerged as a key predictor of digital exclusion. Notably, by age 85, only 30% of cognitively healthy individuals in Czechia and 20% in Slovenia reported using internet.

Cognitive functioning is a significant and independent predictor of ICT use among older adults in both Czechia and Slovenia. Even after accounting for demographic and social factors, individuals with higher cognitive abilities were more likely to engage with digital technologies. These findings highlight the importance of integrating cognitive health into digital inclusion strategies targeting older populations, particularly in aging societies where technological access is essential for social participation and well-being.