Digital Inclusion and Income Sustainability Among Older Adults: Evidence from China

Background: As populations age and digitalization accelerates globally, understanding whether digital inclusion can enhance the economic well-being of older adults is critical for achieving sustainable development. However, empirical evidence on the mechanisms linking digital life to sustainable income among older populations remains limited. Design: This study utilizes data from the 2023 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), comprising 3127 respondents aged 55 and older. We employ ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with city fixed effects, instrumental variable estimation, and mediation analysis to examine the impact of digital life on income and its underlying mechanisms, with a focus on sustainability outcomes. Results: Digital life significantly enhances income levels among older adults, a finding robust to endogeneity and sensitivity checks. Heterogeneity analysis shows stronger effects for rural seniors, those in western regions, and older women. Mediation analysis reveals that digital engagement boosts income through four pathways—employment, material capital, social capital, and human capital—each contributing to the economic sustainability of aging populations. Conclusions: Digital inclusion serves as a mechanism to transform seniors’ dormant assets into productive capital, thereby promoting sustainable income and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Policies should prioritize targeted digital literacy training, age-friendly platform design, and integration with social protection systems to foster inclusive and sustainable aging societies.