Health Technology Literacy and Adoption Intention across Older Adult Communities

Abstract

The rapid digitization of healthcare infrastructure has created a profound digital divide, particularly affecting older adult populations who face distinct cognitive, physical, and socio-environmental barriers to technology adoption. This prospective cohort study investigates the relationship between health technology literacy and technology adoption intention among community-dwelling older adults over a twelve-month tracking period. Utilizing a sample of four hundred and fifty-two participants aged sixty-five and older across diverse urban community centers, we measured baseline health technology literacy using the electronic Health Literacy Scale alongside structural constructs adapted from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Longitudinal analysis revealed that baseline health technology literacy is a powerful predictor of subsequent technology adoption intention. This relationship is significantly mediated by perceived usefulness and technology self-efficacy, while being heavily moderated by available social support systems. The cohort tracking demonstrated that digital health literacy is dynamic rather than static, with participants engaging in structured community support programs exhibiting significant positive shifts in adoption intention. These findings highlight the necessity of designing age-friendly digital health interfaces and establishing sustainable, community-level digital mentoring initiatives to mitigate health inequalities stemming from the digital gray divide.