Profiles of digital empowerment among older adults and their association with self-perception of aging: a latent profile analysis

Abstract Objective The relationship between digital empowerment patterns and self-perception of aging (SPA) among older adults remains complex and understudied. This research investigates how digital empowerment patterns were associated with SPA, with particular attention to the moderating role of Internet use skills. Methods Data were collected from the 2020 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS), including 3,032 participants aged 60 and above. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was employed to systematically identify distinct digital empowerment patterns. Results The research identified four distinct digital empowerment patterns: Class 1 (Social digital empowerment pattern, 18.6%), Class 2 (High digital empowerment pattern, 19.8%), Class 3 (Entertainment digital empowerment pattern, 22.3%), and Class 4 (Low digital empowerment pattern, 39.3%). Compared to the Class 4, all other patterns were significantly associated with higher SPA scores, with the Class 3 demonstrating the strongest positive association. Internet use skills significantly moderated the associations for specific digital empowerment profiles, particularly the high and entertainment-oriented profiles. Gender differences revealed that males benefited more from the Class 1 and Class 2, while females experienced stronger positive effects from the Class 3. Rural older adults and those with lower educational attainment showed consistently stronger associations between digital empowerment and SPA. Conclusion This study demonstrates that digital engagement is significantly and positively associated with SPA among older adults, with Internet use skills serving as an important moderating factor. Three interventions are needed: age-friendly interfaces, targeted engagement strategies, and digital literacy programs. Bridging the digital divide is essential for positive aging.