Rural aging and digital inclusion: sustaining access to personal information

Purpose This paper aims to examine long-term rural aging, personal digital information management and digital literacy, focusing on whether aging rural communities possess or have access to the necessary tools and resources to thrive in our increasingly digital society. Additionally, this study highlights the role of digital technologies in supporting aging in place, emphasizing how access to information tools fosters independence, social connectedness and well-being among older adults. Design/methodology/approach This study employs an exploratory content analysis of literature to evaluate how digital literacy programs and infrastructure improvements contribute to aging in place, drawing on empirical findings and theoretical frameworks exploring the digital disparities affecting aging rural communities, particularly members who lack access to essential digital tools that support personal information management and personal autonomy. Findings Older adults depend on using several communication technologies to gain assistance with communicating with their families via email and cellular phones to access personal health information. Due to the rapid decline in digital skills and access to digital technologies among aging populations, further research is needed to assess the long-term implications of digital inequities, develop targeted interventions that provide digital literacy education and further support the design and creation of future information tools for aging rural communities. Research limitations/implications This paper is conceptual, relying on an exploratory content analysis of existing literature examining how it relates to the digital divide among older adults and how it challenges the management and keeping activities of their personal digital information. The selection of literature reviewed is not exhaustive, potentially overlooking relevant studies or perspectives. Finally, this paper does not use statistical analysis or an experimental component, which could further strengthen the findings. Practical implications The findings of this study have practical implications, highlighting the urgent need to expand digital inclusion efforts among rural aging populations. Strengthening digital infrastructure and connectivity can be a way to resolve these challenges. This research also has theoretical implications that contribute to a broader understanding of the digital divide among older adults that may support existing theories emphasizing digital infrastructure’s importance in ensuring equitable access. Originality/value The study contributes to ongoing efforts that bridge the digital divide by leveraging community-based partnerships. Supporting aging in place through digital inclusion is important as it provides older adults with resources that facilitate the management and preservation of digital information. By fostering digital literacy and supporting infrastructure improvements, these initiatives enable rural aging adults to confidently navigate their digital lives with accessibility and confidence.