Digital Financial Inclusion Among Older Adults: Evidence from a Survey Study in Poland

Population ageing increases the importance of the silver economy, while the digitalization of financial services creates new challenges for older adults’ digital financial inclusion. This study examines the factors that support or hinder the use of digital financial services among seniors, with particular attention to competencies, online concerns, and socio-demographic characteristics. A paper-based survey was conducted among 89 Polish adults aged 60+. Synthetic indices were constructed for digital financial inclusion, broad digital-financial competencies, online concerns, financial knowledge, and financial situation. The analysis combined descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlations, the Mann–Whitney U test, and linear regression.  Digital financial inclusion was positively associated with broad competencies, cybersecurity competencies, financial knowledge, and financial situation, and negatively associated with online concerns. In the regression model, broad competencies, online concerns, and higher education remained significant predictors, whereas financial situation lost statistical significance. The findings suggest that older adults’ inclusion in digital finance depends primarily on competencies and perceived security rather than on economic resources alone. This highlights the need for educational and institutional measures that integrate financial literacy, digital skills, and cybersecurity support for older adults.