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. 2025 Apr 2:13:1554552.
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1554552. eCollection 2025.

Cultural adaptation to aging: a study on digital cultural adaptation needs of Chinese older adults based on KANO model

Sheng Li  1 , Marzudi Md Yunus  2 , Rosila Bee Binti Mohd Hussain  3 , Wenyuan Lin  4
Affiliations

Cultural adaptation to aging: a study on digital cultural adaptation needs of Chinese older adults based on KANO model

Sheng Li et al. Front Public Health. .

Abstract

Introduction: With the rapid advancement of digitalization and an aging population, China faces unprecedented challenges in older adults' digital cultural adaptation. The "54th Statistical Report on China's Internet Development" reveals that individuals aged 60 and above constitute 14.3% of total internet users. However, significant barriers persist in their digital participation, necessitating a deeper understanding of their adaptation process and needs.

Methods: This study employs the KANO model to assess older adults' digital cultural adaptation. A total of 205 respondents participated in a questionnaire survey, with data analyzed using the highest frequency method and the Better-Worse coefficient. The study categorizes digital cultural needs into three dimensions: must-be requirements, one-dimensional requirements, and attractive requirements.

Results: The findings indicate that: 1. Older adults' digital cultural needs comprise must-be requirements (basic functional design, 47.8%), one-dimensional requirements (social participation, 36.1%), and attractive requirements (innovative experiences, 66.8%). 2. Intergenerational cultural cognitive differences, digital skill levels, and the urban-rural digital divide significantly impact their adaptation process. 3. While respondents positively evaluate digital life satisfaction, personal adaptation, and digital content diversity, they express dissatisfaction and expectations regarding family guidance, age-friendly digital services, and the role of digital content in improving life quality.

Discussion: The results highlight the need for targeted strategies in technical support, content design, and service provision to enhance older adults' digital cultural adaptation. Addressing group-specific needs and preferences through coordinated measures can improve digital inclusion, foster intergenerational cultural integration, and optimize digital cultural service systems. This study offers valuable theoretical insights and practical implications for advancing policies and initiatives that support older adults in the digital era.

Keywords: KANO model; age-friendly; cultural adaptation to aging; digital cultural adaptation; digital divide; older adult group.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distribution of internet users worldwide as of February 2024 by age group. (1) Global internet users by age (2) Chinese internet users by age.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Three dimensional indicators of digital exclusion among older adults.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Checklist: UNECE policy brief on aging no. 26.
Figure 4
Figure 4
KANO model quality attribute classification diagram (52).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Better-worse coefficient analysis visualization.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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