Role of family-based support in enabling digital health literacy of the elderly in India: a comprehensive review
TL;DR
This review identifies key mechanisms that drive improvements in the elderly’s digital engagement and highlights effective intervention models, such as intergenerational learning programs, which have shown measurable gains in the elderly’s digital engagement.
Abstract
Digital health literacy (DHL), the ability to locate, understand, evaluate, and apply online health information, is becoming increasingly important for older adults. However, many seniors, particularly those in lower-resource settings, face challenges engaging with digital health tools. Recent evidence emphasises the role of family networks as a crucial factor in enhancing elders' DHL. This review synthesises evidence from both international and Indian contexts to examine how family and social support structures enhance older adults’ access to technology, build their confidence, and strengthen their digital health competencies. It identifies key mechanisms that drive these improvements and highlights effective intervention models, such as intergenerational learning programs, which have shown measurable gains in the elderly’s digital engagement. Recognising India's unique socio-cultural landscape, the review further examines the contextual factors that influence family involvement in digital health literacy. Based on these insights, a conceptual framework and policy recommendations are proposed to be integrated within national digital health initiatives.