| Sumario: | Background: Given China's rapidly developing aging process, the growing popularity of smart health devices, and the rapid growth of the digital economy, this study explores the impact of smart health devices on the cognitive level of older adults and the mechanisms through which they influence the level. Methods: Using multiple linear regression, this study examined the impact of smart health devices on the cognitive level of older adults based on the CLASS2020 dataset, a robustness test was conducted using the instrumental variable method with propensity score matching. This study also analyzed the mediating effect of smart health devices on the cognitive level of older adults using the Sobel method and the bootstrap method. We explored the heterogeneity of the impact of smart health devices on the cognitive level of older adults in terms of digital access and digital literacy. Results: This study found that older adults experience empowerment from using smart health devices. The analysis of the mediating effects revealed that these devices promote intergenerational social support and change exercise behavior, thereby empowering older adults and promoting the mental health of older adults. The analysis of moderating effects revealed that elderly services, as well as community and societal security, played a negative role. Conclusion: Smart health devices have a more powerful cognitive impact on older adults who have limited digital access and are less digitally literate. The government is encouraged to promote the widespread use of smart health devices to further eliminate the digital divide and inequality among older adults.
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