Digital Activity Frequency and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults: Indirect Associations Through eHealth Literacy and Attitudes Toward Aging

Background/Objectives: Digital participation is increasingly relevant to well-being in later life. This study examined the association between digital activity frequency and life satisfaction and indirect associations through perceived eHealth literacy and three dimensions of attitudes toward aging among older adults. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, 604 Chinese adults aged 60 years or older completed questionnaires assessing digital activity frequency, eHealth literacy, psychosocial loss, physical change, psychological growth, and life satisfaction. A multiple mediation model was estimated with adjustment for gender, education, age category, living arrangement, and community location. Indirect associations were evaluated using bootstrap confidence intervals. Results: More frequent digital activity was associated with greater life satisfaction (total association: β = 0.518). Positive indirect associations were found through eHealth literacy alone (estimate = 0.082) and through eHealth literacy followed by either physical change (estimate = 0.060) or psychological growth (estimate = 0.044). Indirect associations through physical change alone and psychological growth alone were also observed, but neither was statistically supported in either sensitivity analysis. Neither indirect pathway involving psychosocial loss was significant. The direct association remained positive after inclusion of the mediators (β = 0.286). Conclusions: These findings highlight perceived eHealth literacy and appraisals of physical change and psychological growth as potential links between digital activity frequency and life satisfaction among older adults. They may inform the design and evaluation of support programs that address both eHealth literacy and specific aging-related appraisals in efforts to promote well-being in later life.