SMART PUBLIC SPACES AND ELDERLY CARE: THE ROLE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE IN CHINA

As urban areas globally integrate smart public spaces, the elderly population’s interaction with these technological environments is increasingly important. This study aims to investigate how smart public space design affects the quality of life of elderly individuals in urban China. Furthermore, it explores digital literacy as a mediator in this relationship, hypothesizing that the elderly’s ability to navigate digital technology influences the extent to which they benefit from such spaces. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was utilized to collect data from 134 elderly individuals (aged 60 and above) living in urban areas of China. A structured survey, based on validated measurement scales from past research, assessed smart public space design, digital literacy, and quality of life. SmartPLS 4.0 was used for data analysis, employing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine the direct and mediated relationships between the constructs. The findings reveal that smart public space design significantly enhances the quality of life of elderly individuals. Additionally, digital literacy plays a significant mediating role, emphasizing that elderly individuals with higher digital literacy are better equipped to leverage smart technologies in urban spaces. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on agefriendly smart city development and underline the necessity for inclusive design principles. The results also imply that even the most advanced urban infrastructure cannot reach its full potential unless users, particularly the elderly, are equipped with the skills to interact with it effectively. Therefore, improving digital literacy among older adults is not just beneficial but essential in maximizing the impact of smart public environments. Practical implications include the integration of digital education initiatives within smart urban planning frameworks. This dual approach technological enhancement combined with human capacity development - ensures that the elderly population is not left behind in the rapidly evolving digital landscape of urban China. The study recommends policy interventions aimed at bridging the digital divide and promoting social inclusion. Future research may explore longitudinal impacts of digital literacy interventions on elderly wellbeing in smart cities.