Journal of Aging and Environment

Empowering Healthy Aging through the Internet Environment in Cross-cultural Context

With the rapid aging of populations worldwide, the importance of creating environments that support healthy, active aging is increasingly critical. In terms of environment, it is not limited to the physical environment and be extended to the environments people created such as the social environment and the digital environment, which is recently gaining importance. As digital technology has become a super social determinant of health, ensuring the inclusion of older adults in this digital transformation is essential for promoting health and well-being. However, significant disparities exist in digital access, adoption, and engagement among older adults across different regions and cultures. Therefore, it is a global priority to understand the factors fostering to closing of the gray digital divide and its impact on healthy aging.

This special issue "Empowering Healthy Aging through the Internet Environment in Cross-cultural Context" seeks to explore the pivotal role of internet use and digital technology in maintaining equity in health promotion and fostering healthy, active aging among older adults globally. With focusing on creating digitally inclusive healthy aging communities and environments, this special issue would like to explore cultural and contextual nuances that influence the older adults’ navigation in the digital environment and health and social consequences derived from such timely needed inclusion.

This special issue calls for submissions of original studies that explore a range of topics related to addressing various aspects of digital inclusion and healthy aging, including but not limited to:

• Observational studies on digital technology and older adults’ physical, psychological, and social well-being
• Qualitative research on empowering digital inclusion and healthy aging
• Case studies, interventions, and initiatives that evaluate the programs, and interventions, aimed at building a digitally inclusive society
• Theoretical frameworks and critical reviews on digital technology adoption and innovations
• Cross-cultural research findings into actionable strategies for policymakers and practitioners

By focusing on diverse cultural contexts and employing rigorous methodological approaches, this special issue aims to provide valuable insights into the factors that promote or hinder digital inclusion among older adults globally. The findings from this research are expected to inform the development of digitally inclusive, healthy aging communities worldwide. Through the contributions of scholars, researchers, and practitioners, this special issue will advance our understanding of how to create environments that support the digital inclusion and overall well-being of older adults.