Mediating Effects of Social Capital on the Relationship between Digital Capacity and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults

Background/Purpose: This study aims to examine the impact of digital capacity on the life satisfaction of old adults, grounded in digital divide theory. As digital capacity becomes increasingly essential in navigating daily life, old adults face challenges due to limited digital access and skills, which may deepen social exclusion and reduce quality of life. Drawing on this theoretical framework, the study investigates both the direct effect of digital capacity on life satisfaction and the mediating roles of bonding social capital (close, trust-based relationships) and bridging social capital (broad social ties across diverse groups).

Methods: The study utilized data from the 2023 Digital Information Gap Survey, a nationally representative dataset conducted in South Korea. A total of 1,239 individuals aged 65 and older were included in the analysis. Key variables such as digital capacity, bonding social capital (close relationships and support networks), bridging social capital (broader social connections and community engagement), and life satisfaction were measured using validated indicators. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the direct and indirect relationships, and bootstrapping was used to test the significance of the mediating effects. Control variables such as age, gender, and household income were included to ensure robustness of the results.

Results: The analysis revealed that digital capacity had a significant direct positive effect on life satisfaction among old adults. Both bonding and bridging social capital served as significant mediators in this relationship. Specifically, higher digital capacity was linked to increased bonding and bridging social capital, which in turn contributed to greater life satisfaction. Notably, the mediating effect of bridging social capital was stronger than that of bonding social capital, suggesting that broader social engagement through digital tools may have a more substantial role in enhancing life satisfaction for old adults. Control variables, including age, gender, and income, also had meaningful effects on the main variables.

Conclusions and Implications: The findings underscore the pivotal role of digital capacity in enhancing both individual life satisfaction and social capital among old adults. Strengthening digital skills can empower old adults to actively participate in society, expand their social networks, and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives. These results highlight the need for targeted policies and programs aimed at reducing the digital divide among old populations. Practical implications include the development of accessible digital education initiatives, improving access to digital devices, and fostering community-based support systems that promote digital inclusion and social integration. Enhancing digital competencies in later life can serve as a key strategy for promoting successful aging and improving the overall quality of life in an increasingly digital world.