Bridging the Digital Divide Among the Elderly: Unlocking Pathways and Strategies from a Social Governance Perspective

This article explores the challenges posed by the digital divide among the elderly in contemporary China, framed within the context of social governance. As China grapples with an aging population and rapid digitalization, the elderly face significant barriers in accessing and using digital technologies. These challenges are manifested through an “access gap,” “usage gap,” and “knowledge gap,” which collectively limit their ability to fully participate in the digital society. Despite the increasing reliance on digital platforms for public services, healthcare, and social participation, the elderly are at risk of marginalization, exacerbating social inequities and impairing governance efficiency. This article identifies key social and policy-level factors contributing to the digital divide, including limited digital literacy, inadequate technology design for elderly users, and generational communication barriers. Drawing on the perspectives of social governance, the article offers practical solutions for bridging this divide, emphasizing the importance of government leadership, community-driven initiatives, and individual-level interventions such as family and volunteer support. It advocates for a multi-level approach that integrates policy, community resources, and societal collaboration to foster an inclusive digital environment for the elderly. The research highlights the urgency of addressing these issues not only to ensure equitable access to digital opportunities but also to enhance social participation and cohesion. Future prospects for bridging the digital divide among the elderly include the development of more accessible technologies, lifelong education programs, and enhanced social support systems, ultimately contributing to the creation of a more harmonious and digitally inclusive society. Qianyi Zhang and Shuhan Miao contributed equally to this work and should be considered co-first authors.