Bridging the Access Gap: A Decade of Narrowing the Digital Divide for Hispanic Older Adults in the United States
摘要
Despite significant growth in internet adoption and usage among older adults in the United States over the past decade, persistent disparities remain, particularly among Hispanic older adults with low socioeconomic status. Guided by the intersectionality framework, this study investigated the digital divide between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White older adults in the U.S. from 2011 to 2021. Using 11 waves of data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, multilevel logistic regressions were conducted, incorporating intersections of race/ethnicity and time (measured by survey waves). Stratified analyses by gender, education, and income were also performed. The digital divide was assessed through measures of internet access and usage purposes, including personal, social, and health-related activities. While the longitudinal analysis revealed a narrowing gap in internet access between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White older adults, particularly among those with low education and income, disparities in personal, social, and health-related internet use persisted over the past decade. These findings underscore progress in digital inclusivity initiatives but highlight enduring challenges in achieving equitable digital engagement for Hispanic older adults. Future efforts should prioritize not only expanding access but also promoting effective digital technology use to advance health equity and overall well-being in this population.