Mobile Use, Digital Capital and Third Agers in China

Abstract

This research explores how people in China of retirement age, called ‘third agers’, use mobile phone and apps. Drawing from the framework of successful ageing, it examines third agers’ daily mobile use and reveals the relationship between mobile use and social engagement, physical health and mental well-being. This research project comes to the conclusion that accumulated digital literacy among third agers is helping them to adapt to change. This adaptation is critical to their quality of life.