The effect of older individuals’ digital competence and e-health literacy on frailty

This study examined the impact of digital competence and e-health literacy on frailty among older individuals. It assessed the contribution of digital skills and health literacy to healthy aging and their potential to mitigate frailty.A descriptive-correlational design was employed, involving 201 individuals aged 65 and older who were registered at three older people’s centers in Türkiye’s sixth-largest city. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews between May and June 2025 using a Personal Information Form, the Digital Competence Inventory, the e-Health Literacy Scale, and the Edmonton Frailty Scale. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test, Pearson correlation, and binary logistic regression. The mean participant age was 70.35 years, and 65.2% were frail to varying degrees. A moderately significant negative association was observed between frailty and digital competence subdimensions (information literacy, communication and collaboration, security, problem solving), as well as with e-health literacy (p < .001). Regression analysis identified age (≥75), female sex, low education level, chronic disease, and low e-health literacy as significant predictors of frailty. Digital competence and e-health literacy are key factors in reducing frailty among older adults. Developing training programs to enhance digital skills and e-health literacy through collaboration among healthcare professionals, Information Technology specialists, and policymakers represents a critical strategy for supporting healthy and active aging.