A cross-sectional study of socioeconomic inequality in health-related digital device access among older adults in China - Report - MDSpire
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An Examination of Socioeconomic Disparities in Access to Health-Related Digital Devices Among Older Adults in China: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

  • By

  • Yutong Jiang

  • Mingsheng Chen

  • Lei Si

  • September 28, 2026

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Clinical Report: Socioeconomic Disparities in Health-Related Digital Devices in China

Overview

This study examines the socioeconomic disparities in access to health-related digital devices among older adults in China, highlighting significant inequalities. It utilizes data from the 2023 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey to assess device access.

Background

As China's population ages rapidly, digital inclusion among older adults is critical for accessing health services. Despite advancements in internet access, older adults remain vulnerable to digital exclusion, which can exacerbate existing health disparities.

Data Highlights

The study utilized data from the 2023 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS) to analyze access to health-related digital devices among older adults.

Key Findings

  • Older adults in China represent a significant portion of the population at risk for digital exclusion.
  • Access to health-related digital devices is linked to various health outcomes.
  • Socioeconomic factors significantly influence access to digital devices among older adults.
  • Digital inclusion is characterized as a social determinant of health.
  • Disparities in device access may perpetuate existing health inequalities among older adults.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the socioeconomic factors that affect older adults' access to digital health resources.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the need for further research on digital inclusion among older adults in China.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Hu and Xu, CLASS, 2023 -- Socioeconomic Disparities in Digital Device Access
  2. DIGITAL HEALTH — Digital inclusion and depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults: The moderating role of cognitive function
  3. Frontiers in Psychiatry — From digital access to social connectedness: the digital divide, bonding social capital, and depressive symptoms among older adults in China
  4. DIGITAL HEALTH — Digital health literacy among urban community-dwelling older adults in China: Current status and determinants
  5. China issues first national standard for elderly-friendly government service platforms
  6. Longitudinal associations between internet access and cognitive decline in older adults | Scientific Reports

Original Source(s)

A cross-sectional study of socioeconomic inequality in health-related digital device access among older adults in China

  • by Yutong Jiang, Mingsheng Chen, Lei Si

  • September 28, 2026

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