The impact of digital reverse mentoring on older adults’ digital literacy: mediating roles of self-perceptions of aging and self-efficacy

Abstract

Background and Objectives Digital literacy is critical for older adults to maintain social connections, access information, and support overall mental well-being. However, many older adults struggle with using digital devices. Guided by the self-fulfilling prophecy theory, this study investigates how digital reverse mentoring (DRM), referring to younger individuals assisting older adults in learning and using digital technology, is associated with digital literacy, with self-perceptions of aging and self-efficacy as mediators. Research Design and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 402 community-dwelling older adults aged 60+ in Macao, China. Control variables include gender, age, education, income, self-rated health, and home internet access. Structural equation modeling was employed to test hypothesized relationships and mediation effects. Results DRM significantly improved digital literacy (B =.31, 95% CI:.19,.43). Positive perceptions of aging were positively associated with digital literacy (B =.05, p