From Digital Anxiety to Empowerment in Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Survey Study on Psychosocial Drivers of Digital Literacy

Digital literacy in later life is more than a technical skill set-it represents a vital form of psychological and social capital that empowers autonomy, well-being, and social integration. Strengthening older adults' intention to engage with digital tools through emotional reinforcement, achievement-oriented experiences, and supportive social environments is key to narrowing the digital divide. Beyond its personal benefits, fostering digital competence contributes to successful aging, which in turn brings profound advantages for families, strengthens community cohesion, and supports national goals in public health, economic participation, and social sustainability. Intergenerational learning initiatives, community-based engagement programs, and leveraging social influence to offset weakened family support can create a more inclusive, resilient, and age-friendly digital ecosystem-one that benefits not only older individuals but society at large.