Abstract

The generational digital divide, or gray digital divide, does not necessarily reflect a lack of physical access to devices but rather a barrier to meaningful use, digital competence, and confidence in conducting transactions or consuming digital content among older adults. To map the existing literature on the digital divide among older adults, identifying its determinants, consequences, and possible mitigation strategies, with special attention to the role of public policies. We conducted a scoping review of the Web of Science database, following PRISMA guidelines, covering publications from 2024 to 2026. We included regulatory documents and institutional sources to identify the previously studied context and determine findings, limitations, implications, and areas for future research. The findings reveal that the gray digital divide stems from multiple interrelated factors and is not a consequence of age. This gap affects autonomy, health, social participation, and psychological well-being, and it reinforces other inequities. The mitigation strategies identified in the literature highlight the importance of inclusive technology design, targeted digital literacy programs, and public policies grounded in an intersectional approach. Bridging the digital divide among older adults cannot be achieved through a one-dimensional approach that treats age as the sole determining factor. This study demonstrates that digital inequalities do not operate in isolation but interact with other structures of disadvantage. Inclusive digital governance, approached from an intersectional perspective, will be more effective in ensuring older adults' full participation and the well-being associated with technology.