Bridging the Digital Divide: An Investigation into the Factors Influencing the Digital Literacy Gap Among Older Adults

With the rapid advancement of digitalization, Chinese society is confronting the "digital divide" exacerbated by population aging. This study focuses on adults aged 60 and above in Zhengzhou City, employing multivariate logistic regression analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate key factors influencing the digital divide across three dimensions: access gap, usage gap, and competency gap. Key findings include:(1) Internet usage is gradually integrating into the daily lives of older adults.(2) Personal characteristics of seniors and perceived information insecurity significantly hinder their adoption of digital products.(3) While demand-driven motivations propel older adults to bridge competency gaps, complex product operations and information security concerns remain critical barriers. This research provides actionable insights for formulating targeted strategies to narrow the digital divide and foster inclusive digital participation among older populations.