# The impact of digital disability on the well-being of older adults: the moderating role of cultural deprivation

## TL;DR

This study explores how digital disability affects the well-being of older adults in Zhengzhou, finding that cultural deprivation strengthens this relationship.

## Contribution

The study introduces the moderating role of cultural deprivation in the relationship between digital disability and well-being among older adults.

## Key findings

- Digital disability is positively correlated with subjective well-being in older adults.
- Cultural deprivation amplifies the positive effect of digital disability on well-being.
- Lower levels of cultural deprivation reduce the beneficial impact of digital disability.

## Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of digital disability on the subjective well-being of older adult residents in Zhengzhou, with a specific focus on the moderating role of cultural deprivation in this relationship.

An empirical research design was employed. Data were collected from a sample of older adult residents, and statistical analyses were conducted to examine the proposed relationships and moderation effect.

Digital disability (reverse-scored, with higher scores indicating greater competence) was significantly positively correlated with subjective well-being. Cultural deprivation significantly moderated this relationship. Simple slope analysis revealed that in contexts of higher cultural deprivation, digital disability exerted a more pronounced positive effect on well-being. Conversely, when deprivation levels were lower, this beneficial impact diminished significantly.

Drawing on the law of diminishing marginal utility, this study elucidates the differentiated impact mechanisms of digital technology on older adults’ well-being. It underscores the importance of developing differentiated digital policies within a cultural welfare framework, thereby providing theoretical and practical insights for enhancing digital inclusion and well-being among the older population.