Keyword: Health Literacy

ABSTRACT: Digital technologies are increasingly used to support healthcare and social care for older adults, yet their effects on access and satisfaction depend on technological, individual, and organizational conditions. This structured narrative review synthesized current evidence on the impact of digital technologies on access to and satisfaction with health and social care among older adults. A comprehensive literature search was conducted iteratively from February 2025 through May 2026 in seven international and regional databases and search platforms. English- and Russian-language publications addressing older adults, digital health technologies, healthcare or social care access, satisfaction, and related implementation outcomes were considered. Forty-eight publications were included. Because study designs, populations, technologies, and outcomes were heterogeneous, findings were synthesized narratively and organized thematically. Evidence most consistently suggested that telemedicine, electronic health technologies, mobile health technologies, remote monitoring, mobile applications, and wearable devices may reduce geographical and mobility-related barriers, support continuity of care and chronic disease management, and improve satisfaction when services are usable, trusted, and adequately supported. Satisfaction findings were more context-dependent than access outcomes. Digital literacy, connectivity, affordability, interface usability, privacy concerns, technophobia, and access to technical or professional support repeatedly influenced adoption. Evidence specifically addressing social care, long-term care, and integration between healthcare and social services was comparatively limited. Digital technologies may complement conventional care for older adults, but age-appropriate design, digital-literacy support, privacy safeguards, non-digital alternatives, and integration into existing care pathways are important for equitable implementation.