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

Objective: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.