Self-reported sensory impairment and social participation among Korean older adults: mediating roles of cognitive function and digital technology use

Abstract

Objectives

This study investigates the correlation between self-reported sensory impairment, cognitive function, digital technology use, and social participation among older adults in South Korea.

Method

Data from the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans, comprising a nationally representative sample of 7849 individuals aged 65 years or older, were analyzed. A serial mediation analysis (Model = 6) was conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS.

Results

Following adjustment for covariates, cognitive function and digital technology use serially mediated the relationship between self-reported sensory impairment and social participation among older adults (B = −0.0020, SE = 0.0005, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [−0.0030, −0.0010]). Specifically, self-reported sensory impairment exhibited a negative correlation with cognitive function (B = −0.3277, SE = 0.0753, p < .001), which was positively associated with digital technology use (B = 0.0763, SE = 0.0056, p < .001), subsequently linking to enhanced social participation (B = 0.0784, SE = 0.0037, p < .001).

Conclusion

Through cross-sectional analysis, this study confirms that self-reported sensory impairment in older adults may precede cognitive decline, hindering digital technology use and reducing social participation. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing cognitive decline, while age-friendly digital devices may alleviate cognitive burden and promote social engagement.

Keywords:

• Sensory impairment
• social engagement
• cognitive function
• digital technology use
• Korean older adults

Disclosure statement

No conflicts of interest and financial support for all authors.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.