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

Abstract

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