Digital Literacy of the Elderly: Validity and Reliability Study

Objective: Digital literacy for the elderly involves equipping seniors with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate digital technology effectively. This study aims to validate and assess the reliability of the Turkish version of the ''Everyday Digital Literacy Questionnaire for Older Adults'' to support the increasing independence of the elderly population. Material and Methods: This methodological study included 296 cognitively healthy older adults (aged 60≥). Data were collected using demographic characteristics form and the ''Everyday Digital Literacy Questionnaire for Older Adults''. The internal consistency and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted. Internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Results: Findings revealed a 3-factor structure as follows ''information and communication'', ''content creation and management'' and ''safety security'' for the instrument. The ratio of chi-square statistics to degrees of freedom (χ2 /df) was 2.341; the Tucker-Lewis Index value was 0.929, and the Comparative Fit Index was 0.947. Also, the current instrument showed strong internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.94. Conclusion: The questionnaire is well grounded for measuring digital literacy of elderly in our population. This instrument offers a standardized and culturally relevant method for quantifying digital literacy, enabling researchers and practitioners to identify specific areas of strength and weakness and it also provides a reliable means of gauging the effectiveness of digital literacy interventions and training programs targeted at older adults. Promoting digital literacy among the elderly not only enhances their communication and access to information, but also increases their independence and quality of life.