ABSTRACT : The rapid digitalisation of financial services creates opportunities and challenges for an ageing population. This study examines how digital financial literacy (DFL) influences older adults’ behavioural intention and actual use of FinTech-based elderly care services in Jilin Province, China. A cross-sectional survey yielded 480 valid responses from older adults, with 62.1% from rural areas. Data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and multi-group analysis (PLS-MGA). The results indicate that DFL significantly improves perceived ease of use (β=0.424) and perceived behavioural control (β=0.360), which positively influence behavioural intention and subsequently promote actual use behaviour. Furthermore, multi-group analysis reveals no significant structural differences between urban and rural respondents, suggesting these relationships are robust across residential contexts. The findings highlight that improving DFL and strengthening community peer support networks are essential for narrowing the digital divide. By positioning DFL as a fundamental antecedent of technology acceptance, this study extends the Technology Acceptance Model and provides empirical evidence for the silver economy.

KEYWORDS – Digital financial literacy, smart elderly care, behavioural intention, silver economy, multi-group analysis