To ensure that health and social care systems function effectively for all, particularly in light of increasing life expectancy and the projected global rise in the older population over the coming decades, the digitalization of healthcare is regarded as a key strategy for enhancing accessibility and efficiency. However, older adults may face emotional challenges and have limited experience with digital tools, which can hinder adoption and reduce the effectiveness of such technologies. To design appropriate digital solutions and tailor support, it is essential to address the challenges that older adults encounter when using digital technologies in health and social care. Therefore, the aim of this study is to illuminate the challenges older adults face in using digital technology within these contexts.

A scoping review was used to identify research to illuminate older adults’ challenges with digital technologies in health and social care. This literature review included empirical peer-reviewed studies published between the year 2015 and 2025. The literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cinahl and Scopus databases.

The findings indicate that older adults may experience isolation and loneliness in relation to the use of digital technologies, which can negatively impact their quality of life. Among older adults, limited digital literacy, increased dependence on others, and a certain resistance to change have been observed. Nevertheless, many older adults expressed an interest in learning how digital health technologies could support them in ageing and during illness. This study is expected to provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges older adults face when using digital technologies in health and social care, which may assist healthcare professionals in supporting older adults with declining health and limited digital literacy.