Qi Liu, Lisha Xia, Chun Wu, Weina Dang, Juelian Li, Yali Liu, Chao Shang, Yu Deng, Jinxia Zhang
This study shows that the digital divide faced by older caregivers extends beyond mere access or skills. It is also shaped by age-related decline, complex technology design, limited trust, and insufficient support. Cumulatively, these factors drive digital disability, compromising caregivers' ability to navigate digital health services effectively in real-world caregiving scenarios. Addressing these challenges requires age-friendly design, targeted digital literacy training, and a multi-sectoral support network involving families, communities, healthcare institutions, and policymakers. These efforts are essential to ensure equitable access to digital health services and foster healthy aging.
PURPOSE: This study aims to explore the caregiving experiences and support challenges faced by older caregivers when using digital health technologies. By examining these experiences through the lens of the digital divide, this research seeks to provide empirical evidence to support the development of inclusive and age-friendly digital health services.
METHODS: This study employed a qualitative descriptive design. Using purposive sampling, 16 older caregivers of hospitalized older patients were recruited from the cardiovascular department of a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between July 6 and August 25, 2025, and data were analyzed using directed content analysis.
RESULTS: The experiences and dilemmas of older caregivers interacting with digital health technologies were categorized into three core themes and six sub-themes: (1) Access-level barriers (Mismatch between age-related decline and technology design; Lack of intergenerational support); (2) Operational challenges (Cognitive overload from limited digital literacy; Concerns regarding technology efficacy and safety); and (3) Gaps in perception and trust (Reliance on traditional caregiving methods; Insufficient professional guidance and help-seeking channels).
CONCLUSION: This study shows that the digital divide faced by older caregivers extends beyond mere access or skills. It is also shaped by age-related decline, complex technology design, limited trust, and insufficient support. Cumulatively, these factors drive digital disability, compromising caregivers' ability to navigate digital health services effectively in real-world caregiving scenarios. Addressing these challenges requires age-friendly design, targeted digital literacy training, and a multi-sectoral support network involving families, communities, healthcare institutions, and policymakers. These efforts are essential to ensure equitable access to digital health services and foster healthy aging.