The relationship between the digital literacy and healthy aging of the elderly in Korea

The purpose of this study is to verify the relationship between the level of use of information and communication technology and healthy aging of the elderly in Korean society. Data from The Survey of the Elderly in 2020 conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs was used. A total of 9832 elderly people (mean age = 73.41, standard deviation = 6.53, male = 3940, female = 5892) participated in the study. It was found that the use of information and communication technology was positively related to healthy aging. Specifically, the higher the level of use of information and communication technology of the elderly, the fewer chronic diseases, less deterioration of physical function, lower depression, higher life satisfaction, and higher participation in social activities. This study suggests the need for educational and institutional interventions to improve the level of use of information and communication technology of the elderly in Korea to help them with healthy aging.