<p>This study systematically investigates the association of age-friendly design in health websites and applications with older adults’ health information behaviors and health outcomes in the context of digitalization. Given the relatively large sample size and the approximate normal distribution of the data, Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) was employed for analysis. The findings confirm a significant positive association between age-friendly design and older adults’ health information behaviors, while also revealing the indirect link of age-friendly design with health outcomes through health information behaviors. Specifically, optimized user interface design, usability, and design elements tailored to the needs of older adults are significantly related to their engagement in acquiring, understanding, and applying health information, which is associated with better health outcomes. This study contributes new empirical evidence to the field of digital health design and offers actionable recommendations for developers and policymakers to create more inclusive and age-adapted digital health platforms. The goal is to bridge the “digital divide” and improve overall health among older adults. The findings underscore the critical role of age-friendly design in enhancing older adults’ health information behaviors and health outcomes, highlighting its importance in the digital health landscape. Furthermore, the study provides theoretical insights to guide the development of more inclusive and age-friendly design strategies for equitable and effective digital health information services.</p>

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Impact of age-friendly digital design on health information behavior and outcomes in older adults: addressing digital health inequities

  • Hong Li,
  • Li Shi

摘要

This study systematically investigates the association of age-friendly design in health websites and applications with older adults’ health information behaviors and health outcomes in the context of digitalization. Given the relatively large sample size and the approximate normal distribution of the data, Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) was employed for analysis. The findings confirm a significant positive association between age-friendly design and older adults’ health information behaviors, while also revealing the indirect link of age-friendly design with health outcomes through health information behaviors. Specifically, optimized user interface design, usability, and design elements tailored to the needs of older adults are significantly related to their engagement in acquiring, understanding, and applying health information, which is associated with better health outcomes. This study contributes new empirical evidence to the field of digital health design and offers actionable recommendations for developers and policymakers to create more inclusive and age-adapted digital health platforms. The goal is to bridge the “digital divide” and improve overall health among older adults. The findings underscore the critical role of age-friendly design in enhancing older adults’ health information behaviors and health outcomes, highlighting its importance in the digital health landscape. Furthermore, the study provides theoretical insights to guide the development of more inclusive and age-friendly design strategies for equitable and effective digital health information services.