Exploring Technology Confidence in Later Life - A Secondary Data Analysis of the LINDA Survey
Yuchen Xie

Date and Time

Friday, November 13, 2026, 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM

Theme / Track

Ageing well, longevity and social context

Presentation Format

Concurrent

Background Digital participation is increasingly important for older adults in the digital era. Understanding how social, psychological, and cultural factors associated with technology self-efficacy (TSE) is essential for supporting healthy ageing and reducing digital inequality. Study Setup (Methods) This study used data from the Longitudinal Interdisciplinary National Data on Ageing for Australia (LINDA), a nationally representative survey of adults aged 50 years and older (n=1,172). TSE was measured using a ten-item scale adapted from validated instruments. Survey weighted multivariable linear regression models examined associations between TSE and social connectedness, attitudes toward ageing subscales, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) indicators. Covariates included age, sex, education, multimorbidity. Results Both community-level and individual-level social connectedness were significantly associated with TSE: neighbourhood belonging was positively associated (β = 0.17, p < .01), while loneliness was negatively associated (β=−0.36, p < .001). All three attitudes toward ageing subscales were significant predictors, with higher TSE linked to more positive attitudes toward physical change (β=0.24, p < .01) and psychological growth (β=0.45, p < .001), and to lower perceptions of psychosocial loss (β=−0.34, p < .001). CALD indicators were not significant in adjusted models. Lower TSE was associated with older age, female sex, and lower educational attainment. Discussion Social isolation and attitudes toward ageing play important roles in shaping technology confidence among older Australians. These findings highlight potential targets for interventions that support digital participation and healthy ageing.

Keywords

CALD, Community, Psychology, Social Isolation, Technology

Authors

Dr Jialing Lin, University of New South Wales
Prof Limin Mao, University of New South Wales
Dr Xinran Liu, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
Dr Craig Sinclair, University of New South Wales