Association between smartphone and tablet ownership, usage diversity, and physical function in community-dwelling older adults in rural Japan: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Evidence on digital engagement and physical function in rural older adults remains limited. We examined associations between smartphone or tablet ownership, including the diversity of their usage, and physical function among rural community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 248 men and 359 women aged ≥65 years and residing in Japanese rural towns in 2025. Data on smartphone or tablet ownership and usage diversity (e.g., voice calls, LINE, email, Internet, electronic payments, and applications) were collected via a questionnaire. Physical function was objectively measured using handgrip strength, skeletal muscle index, and gait speed. Multiple regression and logistic regression models were used to calculate unstandardized coefficients (B) and odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: Smartphone or tablet ownership was reported by 81.9% of men and 82.2% of women. Ownership was significantly associated with higher gait speed in men (B = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.17) and women (B = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.18). Usage diversity was positively associated with grip strength in men (B = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.06, 1.02), gait speed in men (B = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.04) and women (B = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.05); conversely, it was inversely associated with sarcopenia in men (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone or tablet ownership and more diverse usage may contribute to the maintenance of physical function in older adults living in rural areas. Thus, digital engagement could serve as a practical means of supporting physical function in rural settings, where structural barriers can restrict opportunities to connect with others and obtain health information.