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Wang X, Ye X. Internet access during COVID-19 and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults: Evidence from a quasi-experimental study in China. J Affect Disord 2024; 367:324-332. [PMID: 39236890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health of middle-aged and older adults has become an increasing concern, and the role of the internet in addressing this public health crisis has drawn the attention of researchers. This study evaluated the impact of internet access during COVID-19 on depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults. METHODS Data were derived from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2018 and 2020. Difference-in-differences analysis was performed to compare changes in depressive symptoms between the internet users during COVID-19 and those who didn't have access to the internet before and during the pandemic. RESULTS We found that internet access during COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced middle-aged and older adults' depressive symptoms. Further investigation identified the underlying mechanisms through which internet access helps in alleviating depressive symptoms by reducing the likelihood of experiencing negative emotions about COVID-19. Heterogeneity analyses showed that rural residents and middle-aged individuals benefited more from internet access during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Since internet access can alleviate middle-aged and older adults' depressive symptoms amidst public health crisis, policy makers should focus on enhancing their access to the internet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinfeng Wang
- Institute for Global Public Policy, Fudan University, China.
| | - Xin Ye
- Institute for Global Public Policy, Fudan University, China; LSE-Fudan Research Centre for Global Public Policy, Fudan University, China.
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Liu X, Liu H, Huang H, Zhang H, Zhang W, Shi Y. Can the implementation of the smart city pilot policy improve the social adaptive health and mental health of middle-aged and elderly people? Evidence from China. SSM Popul Health 2024; 27:101707. [PMID: 39253629 PMCID: PMC11381494 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2024.101707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
With the accelerating pace of population aging in China and the implementation of the smart city pilot policy, whether the middle-aged and elderly population can integrate and adapt to this "smart" society has become an urgent problem that needs to be solved. In this context, exploring the impact of smart city pilot policies on the social adaptation health and mental health of middle-aged and elderly people has become a top priority for China to implement a national strategy to actively respond to population aging. Thus, based on panel data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) for the years 2011, 2013, and 2015, this study employs the difference-in-differences (DID) method to investigate whether the smart city pilot policy can improve the social adaptive health and mental health of middle-aged and elderly people and to explore in depth the mechanism of its influence. The study finds that compared with non-pilot cities, the social adaptive health and mental health of middle-aged and elderly people in smart cities improve by 0.6% and 2.2%, respectively. The mechanism effect study shows that the smart city pilot policy can improve the mental health of the middle-aged and the elderly through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the enhancement of human capital. Furthermore, for the social adaptive health of middle-aged and elderly individuals, the smart city pilot policy can only make improvements through the enhancement of human capital. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the effect of smart city pilot policies on social adaptive health is more pronounced in the middle-aged group than in the elderly group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuena Liu
- School of Management, China University of Mining & Technology, Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Haibin Liu
- School of Management, China University of Mining & Technology, Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hui Huang
- School of Management, China University of Mining & Technology, Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hanwei Zhang
- School of Management, China University of Mining & Technology, Beijing, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Weiqiang Zhang
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yinglong Shi
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, China
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Li L. Internet use and frailty in middle-aged and older adults: findings from developed and developing countries. Global Health 2024; 20:53. [PMID: 38961440 PMCID: PMC11223306 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-024-01056-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With increasing trend of internet use in all age groups, whether internet use can prevent frailty in middle-aged and older adults remains unclear. METHODS Five cohorts, including Health and Retirement Study (HRS), China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA), and Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), were used in this study. Internet use, social isolation, and frailty status was assessed using similar questions. The Generalized estimating equations models, random effects meta-analysis, COX regression, and mediation analysis were utilized. RESULTS In the multicohort study, a total of 155,695 participants were included in main analysis. The proportion of internet use was varied across countries, ranging from 5.56% in China (CHARLS) to 83.46% in Denmark (SHARE). According to the generalized estimating equations models and meta-analysis, internet use was inversely associated with frailty, with the pooled ORs (95%CIs) of 0.72 (0.67,0.79). The COX regression also showed that participants with internet use had a lower risk of frailty incidence. Additionally, the association was partially mediated by social isolation and slightly pronounced in participants aged 65 and over, male, not working for payment, not married or partnered, not smoking, drinking, and not co-residence with children. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the important role of internet use in preventing frailty and recommend more engagements in social communication and activities to avoid social isolation among middle-aged and older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Li
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, ShenYang, China.
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Cui K, Zou W, Ji X, Zhang X. Does digital technology make people healthier: the impact of digital use on the lifestyle of Chinese older adults. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:85. [PMID: 38254001 PMCID: PMC10804579 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04651-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the arrival of the era of large-scale production, sharing and application of data, digital use has gradually changed people's daily entertainment, consumption, social interaction, learning and other behaviors in its efficient form. This paper mainly discusses whether this fast and convenient behavior leads Chinese older adults to adopt healthier lifestyles. METHODS Using the most recent information from the Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2020, this paper conducted a descriptive statistical analysis on the basic situation of digital use and lifestyles among Chinese older adults and used a structural equation model to analyse the influence of frequency and types of digital use in a variety of different aspects of the real life of Chinese older adults. RESULTS Research revealed that the quality of life of Chinese older adults improved significantly as a result of their use of digital technology. The frequency of digital use (FDU) significantly improved Chinese older adults' diet, sleep, exercise, smoking and drinking, and relieved their depression. The types of digital use (TDU) had a significant positive correlation with the lifestyle of Chinese older adults, especially in the influence of digital entertainment (DE), digital consumption (DC) and digital social interaction (DI) on the lifestyle of Chinese older adults. CONCLUSIONS Digital use can improve the health of Chinese older adults by promoting a healthy lifestyle through various means. The findings of this study have a substantial positive impact on bridging the digital divide that Chinese older adults face, as well as fostering the integration of digital use into their healthy lifestyles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaichang Cui
- Social Security Research Center, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zou
- School of Management, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiang Ji
- School of Management, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinghui Zhang
- School of Management, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, China
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Du X, Liao J, Ye Q, Wu H. Multidimensional Internet Use, Social Participation, and Depression Among Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese Individuals: Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e44514. [PMID: 37647119 PMCID: PMC10500359 DOI: 10.2196/44514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence that the internet has beneficial effects on the mental health of middle-aged and older people (≥45 years), but the evidence is inconclusive, and the underlying mechanisms are less known. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the relationship between multidimensional (devices, frequency, and purpose) internet use and depression in middle-aged and elderly Chinese, as well as the mediating effect of social participation. Moreover, this study will explore the moderating effect of the regional informatization development level (RIDL) on the relationships between individual internet use, social participation, and depression. METHODS Data on 17,676 participants aged 45 years or older were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2018 data set. The 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) was used to identify the presence of depression. Logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between each dimension of internet use and depression. Multiple linear regression was used to explore the mediating effect of social participation and the moderating effect of the RIDL. RESULTS The results showed that 28.33% (5008/17,676) of the total population had depression. In terms of regional subgroups, respondents living in the western region exhibited the highest proportion of depression (2041/5884, 34.69%). Internet use was negatively associated with depression (odds ratio 0.613, 95% CI 0.542-0.692; P<.001). Various dimensions of internet use positively contributed to individual social participation and reduced individual depression (devices: β=-.170, 95% CI -0.209 to -0.127; frequency: β=-.065, 95% CI -0.081 to -0.047; and purpose: β=-.043, 95% CI -0.053 to -0.031). In addition, the RIDL weakened the relationship between individual-level internet use and social participation (internet use: F74.12,9.82=7.55, P<.001; devices: F51.65/9.88=5.23, P=.005; frequency: F66.74/10.08=6.62, P=.001; and purpose: F66.52/9.78=6.80, P=.001), and negatively moderated the relationship between the frequency of internet use and depression (frequency: F662.67/188.79=3.51, P=.03). CONCLUSIONS This study found that different dimensions of internet use are associated with lower levels of depression. Social participation partially mediates the association between multidimensional internet use and depression in the eastern, central, and western regions, respectively. Additionally, the RIDL helps individuals further their internet use and social participation, reducing the impact of depression. However, this effect weakens sequentially from the western region to the central region and then to the eastern region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiwang Du
- Taikang Tongji (Wuhan) Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiazhi Liao
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Ye
- Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Wu
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Li P, Zhang C, Gao S, Zhang Y, Liang X, Wang C, Zhu T, Li W. Association Between Daily Internet Use and Incidence of Chronic Diseases Among Older Adults: Prospective Cohort Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46298. [PMID: 37459155 PMCID: PMC10390981 DOI: 10.2196/46298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic disease incidence among the elderly is increasing, which is correlated with the acceleration of population aging. Evolving internet technologies may help prevent and provide interventions for chronic diseases in an accelerating aging process. However, the impact of daily internet use on the incidence of chronic diseases is not well understood. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate whether daily internet use by middle-aged and older adults may inhibit or promote the occurrence of chronic diseases. METHODS We included participants from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a longitudinal survey of Chinese residents aged ≥45 years. We assessed 8-year data from wave 1 (June 2011-March 2012) to wave 4 (July-September 2018) in CHARLS. Data from wave 4 were used for a cross-sectional study, and data from all 4 waves were used for a longitudinal study. Self-reported data were used to track variables, including internet use, use frequency, and the incidence of different chronic diseases. Cox proportional hazards modeling was applied in the longitudinal study to examine the relationship between daily internet use and chronic diseases among middle-aged and older adults, while adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors. In addition, longitudinal data were used to analyze internet usage trends, and cross-sectional data were used to analyze the factors influencing internet use. RESULTS Among the 20,113 participants included in the longitudinal analyses, internet use increased significantly, from 2% to 12.3%, between 2011 and 2018. The adjusted model found statistically significant relationships between daily internet use and a lower incidence of the following chronic diseases: hypertension (hazard ratio [HR] 0.78, 95% CI 0.65-0.95, P=.01), chronic lung disease (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57-0.97, P=.03), stroke (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50-0.94, P=.02), digestive disease (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58-0.91, P=.005), memory-related disorders (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37-0.91, P=.02), arthritis or rheumatism (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.48-0.76, P<.001), asthma (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33-0.84, P=.007), depression (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.71-0.89, P<.001), and vision impairment (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.93, P=.004). Moreover, our study also showed that with increasing frequency of internet use, the risk of some chronic diseases decreases. CONCLUSIONS This study found that middle-aged and older adults who use the internet have a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases versus those who do not use the internet. The increasing prevalence of daily internet use among middle-aged and older adults may stimulate contemplation of the potential role of internet platforms in future research on chronic disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyi Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenyang Zhang
- Institute of Hospital Management, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuanliang Gao
- Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanbo Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Xiaolong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chengdi Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- The Research Units of West China (2018RU012)-Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weimin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- President's Office, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Lu X, Yao Y, Jin Y. Digital exclusion and functional dependence in older people: Findings from five longitudinal cohort studies. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 54:101708. [PMID: 36353265 PMCID: PMC9637559 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Older people are more likely to be excluded from the digital world, and this has been linked to poor health outcomes. The extent and direction of the influence of digital exclusion on functional dependency is, however, not well understood. We aimed to investigate the association between digital exclusion and functional dependency among older adults from high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods In this multicohort study, we pooled individual-level data from five longitudinal cohort studies that included nationally representative samples of older adults across 23 countries, including the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA), the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), and the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS). The digital exclusion was recorded as an absence from internet use by self-reported. We assessed basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and we used interval-of-need methods to categorize the functional dependency. We applied generalized estimating equations models fitting Poisson model to investigate the association of digital exclusion with difficulties in BADL or IADL and functional dependency, adjusting for the causal-directed-acyclic-graph (DAG) minimal sufficient adjustment set (MSAS), including gender, age level, labour force status, education, household wealth level, marital status, and co-residence with children. Findings We included 108,621 participants recruited between 2010 and 2018 with a median follow-up of 3 phrases. Digital exclusion in older adults varied across countries, ranging from 23.8% in Denmark (SHARE) to 96.9% in China (CHARLS). According to the crude model, digital exclusion was significantly associated with functional dependency. In the MSAS-adjusted model, those associations remained statistically significant: HRS (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-1.48 for BADL; 1.71 [1.61-1.82] for IADL), ELSA (1.31 [1.22-1.40] in BADL and 1.37 [1.28-1.46] in IADL), SHARE (1.69 [1.61-1.78] in BADL and 1.70 [1.63-1.78] in IADL), CHARLS (2.15 [1.73-2.67] in BADL and 2.59 [2.06-3.25] in IADL), and MHAS (1.15 [1.09-1.21] in BADL and 1.17 [1.09-1.25] in IADL). In the subgroup analyses, the associations were more pronounced in the oldest-old (aged ≥ 80 years old). Interpretation There is a substantial proportion of older adults who are excluded from the Internet, especially those in LMIC. Older people excluded from the Internet regardless of whether they live in HICs or LMICs are more likely to develop functional dependency. It should be made a priority to remove barriers to Internet access in order to assist older people in maintaining their independence and, consequently, to reduce the care burden associated with the ageing population worldwide. Funding The National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 71904004).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinran Lu
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Yao
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yinzi Jin
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Vidiasratri AR, Bath PA. Association between Internet Usage and Quality of Life of Elderly People in England: Evidence from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15544. [PMID: 36497616 PMCID: PMC9738189 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The WHO has stated that the number of senior citizens above age 65 across the world will double by the year 2050: in the UK, the whole population is projected to grow by about 2.5% over a decade, from mid-2018. Although people are living longer, they are not healthier in old age, and there is an increasing number of illnesses and disabilities in the ageing population, which have an impact on their overall well-being and quality of life (QoL). Alongside these trends, Internet technologies have improved and provide a wide range of information, including on medical and health issues. This study aimed to examine the association between the utilisation of the internet among older people in England and their QoL. This study utilised the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA), a longitudinal study of a representative sample of people aged 50 and over in England. The data from Wave 9 were analysed using bivariate analysis and logistic regression. The results show a strong association between QoL and utilisation of the Internet in older people, even when adjusting for demographic variables and health. Higher use of the internet was associated with older people being less likely to have higher QoL. The excessive use of the internet for communication and gathering information also contributed to lower QoL. From the findings, poorer QoL was also found in people in older age groups, in those who are married, and those who never suffer from chronic diseases. Our findings suggest that the quality of life in older people might not only be associated with the frequency of usage but also the purpose for which the internet is used; however, this relationship is complex and further research should explore this in greater depth. Further research should also investigate how older people's use of the Internet changed during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of this on the QoL in older age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agatha Ravi Vidiasratri
- Public Health, School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
- Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
| | - Peter A. Bath
- Information School and School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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Guo E, Li J, Luo L, Gao Y, Wang Z. The effect and mechanism of Internet use on the physical health of the older people-Empirical analysis based on CFPS. Front Public Health 2022; 10:952858. [PMID: 36339140 PMCID: PMC9627165 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.952858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of the Internet has a promoting effect on the physical health of the older people. However, previous studies are mostly focused on the perspective of the overall population, or limited to the direct effects, ignoring the exploration of the mechanism of action and the perspective of the older people. Based on the data of the China Family Panel Survey (CFPS) in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020, this study found that the use of the Internet has a significant effect on the physical health of the older people, especially among the population groups of females, rural residents, and those living in central and western regions of China. In addition, this study also found that the use of the Internet by the older people can increase their exercise frequency, thereby improving their physical health. Therefore, to promote active aging, this study proposes to further increase the popularity of the Internet among the older people, encourage the introduction of age-appropriate Internet systems and sports facilities, create an online fitness platform for the older people, and promote scientific fitness programs for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enkai Guo
- College of P.E and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Li
- College of P.E and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Le Luo
- College of Humanities and Law, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Gao
- College of P.E and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaohong Wang
- College of P.E and Sports, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Zhaohong Wang
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10
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Qin Y, Liu J, Wang R, Qi X, Jiang S, Li J, Guo P, Wu Q. Can leisure and entertainment lifestyle promote health among older people living alone in China?-A simultaneous equation approach. Front Public Health 2022; 10:967170. [PMID: 36249231 PMCID: PMC9558104 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.967170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives With the surging number of older people living alone, their lifestyles and health status have aroused increasing concern. This study aims to investigate whether a leisure and entertainment lifestyle (LEL) can improve the multidimensional health among older people living alone and try to identify the latent mechanisms among them. Method For this purpose, we extracted data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) and established a simultaneous equations model, comprising ordinary least square regression (OLS), two-stage least squares (2SLS), and the mediating effect model. Results Older people living alone in China reported relatively better mental health status (3.64 ± 1.07), followed by physical health (3.41 ± 1.26) and social health (2.75 ± 1.18). In the OLS model, LEL significantly improved the social health of older people living alone (β = 0.054, P < 0.01), followed by physical health (β = 0.042, P < 0.01) and mental health (β = 0.027, P < 0.01). After endogenous tests from 2SLS model and robustness tests, we found that more active LEL was associated with higher levels of physical health and mental health. However, LEL had no significant effect on the improvement of the social health of the older people living alone. Using the mediation analysis, exercise efficacy partially mediated the relationship of LEL with physical health and mental health, and the ratios were 19.75 and 24.85%, respectively. Similarly, positive life attitudes partially mediated the relationship between LEL and physical health, and LEL and mental health, with ratios of 10.65 and 26.83%, respectively. Conclusion Our findings suggested that LEL is significantly associated with better physical and mental health for older people living alone in China, and the association is mediated by exercise efficacy and positive attitudes toward life. Promoting more leisure and recreational activities, upgrading exercise efficacy, and encouraging positive life attitudes are necessary health promotion measures in active aging policies for the wellbeing of older people living alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghua Qin
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China,Department of Health Economy and Social Security, College of Humanities and Management, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Rizhen Wang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xinye Qi
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shengchao Jiang
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiacheng Li
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Pengfei Guo
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Qunhong Wu
- Department of Social Medicine, School of Public Health, Health Management College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China,*Correspondence: Qunhong Wu
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11
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Jiang Y, Yang F. Association between internet use and successful aging of older Chinese women: a cross-sectional study. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:536. [PMID: 35764930 PMCID: PMC9241215 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03199-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The internet has become ubiquitous in contemporary human life. However, little is known about the association between internet use and older people's aging process, especially that of older women. METHODS Using the nationally representative dataset of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey 2016, we examined the relationship between internet usage and the successful aging of older Chinese women. The sample in this study consisted of 2713 respondents with an average age of 69.963 years. Successful aging was defined as no major diseases, no disability, high cognitive functioning, high physical functioning, and active engagement with life. Older women's internet use behavior was represented by internet use frequency. Probit and instrumental variable models were employed to test the association between internet use frequency and successful aging of older women. The Karlson/Holm/Breen (KHB) mediation analysis was used to estimate the mediating effect of social capital on the relationship between internet use frequency and older women's successful aging. RESULTS Using a probit model (coefficient = 0.030, p < 0.001) and an instrumental variable probit model (coefficient = 0.287, p < 0.001), it was found that a successful aging status was significantly correlated with an increase in internet use frequency. The functional mechanism analysis suggested that social capital partially mediated the overall association between internet use frequency and successful aging. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that the more frequently older Chinese women use the internet, the greater the possibility of successful aging. Our findings provide new evidence from China about the determinants of older women's aging process and aid in formulating targeted aging policies for older women in developing countries and regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Jiang
- Zhou Enlai School of Government, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300350 China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Labor and Social Security, School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 China
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Anrijs S, Drooghmans N, Neerinckx H, Nijs D, Mariën I, De Marez L, Ponnet K. Examining differences in internet use aspects among people with intellectual disabilities in Flanders. TELEMATICS AND INFORMATICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tele.2022.101784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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13
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Grassroots information divides in China: Theorising everyday information practices in the Global South. TELEMATICS AND INFORMATICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tele.2021.101665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Zhou J, Kishore R, Zuo M, Liao R, Tang X. Older adults in virtual communities: understanding the antecedents of knowledge contribution and knowledge seeking through the lens of socioemotional selectivity and social cognitive theories. JOURNAL OF KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/jkm-02-2021-0087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
As older adults are increasingly active in virtual communities (VCs), these platforms for knowledge exchange present opportunities for companies to use elder human capital. The purpose of this study is to understand the antecedent factors that motivate older adults’ knowledge contribution and knowledge seeking (KS) behaviors in VCs.
Design/methodology/approach
Rooted in socio-emotional selectivity and social cognitive theories, this study included five key variables and developed models for older adults’ knowledge contributing (KC)/KS behaviors. This paper tested the hypotheses using data from a sample of 204 older adults in 3 VCs in China.
Findings
The results provide support for most of the hypotheses and show that while other members’ participation (MP) acts as a substitute for meaning in life and attitude toward aging, it acts as a complement for outcome expectations (OE) focused on others and OE focused on oneself in their impacts on KC/KS activities.
Practical implications
The study provides practical insights for developing elder human resources via VCs to avoid knowledge loss.
Originality/value
This study described older adults’ unique characteristics when modeling their information and communication technologies-related behaviors and built two models to explain their KC/KS behaviors. It confirmed that the same factor has different levels of impact on older adults’ KC/KS behaviors in VCs. In addition, it confirmed and reinforced the complementary and substitutive effects of other MP as an environmental factor on these behaviors.
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Hong Y, Fu J, Kong D, Liu S, Zhong Z, Tan J, Luo Y. Benefits and barriers: a qualitative study on online social participation among widowed older adults in Southwest China. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:450. [PMID: 34344309 PMCID: PMC8329635 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02381-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the development of digital media, online activities are increasingly becoming part of the daily life of older adults. Widowed older adults generally would face changes in social interactions and activities due to widowhood; thus, the importance of online participation may be more prominent in this population. However, a detailed evidence on the experiences of online social participation among widowed older adults is relatively sparse. This study aimed to explore widowed older adults' perceptions regarding online social participation in southwestern China. METHODS This study adopted a qualitative approach. Semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews were conducted with 19 widowed older adults between September-December 2020. Thematic analysis was applied to analyse the data. RESULTS Two major themes, "benefits" and "barriers" were identified from the original data analysis. Subcategories concerning the theme "benefits" were "benefit perception (convenience, flexible time, supplementation)", "health promotion", "emotional comfort", and "social connection". Subcategories of "barriers" were "worries: personal economic loss", "concerns: security of digital device", "troubles: the diversity of online social participation", and "difficulties: using digital media". CONCLUSIONS Social participation of widowed older adults in southwestern China has begun to be integrated into the digital world; however, it remains at an early stage with the simple purpose of engagement. The older adults may face many challenges for online social participation. Although there are barriers and challenges in online social participation, widowed older adults can reap its benefits, which can be used as an important measure to facilitate a fulfilling life and successful ageing. There is no doubt that online social participation will become a trend within the foreseeable future. Family, friends and health care professionals should pay more attention to the needs of online social participation in widowed older adults and provide adequate support for them to achieve a meaningful life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Hong
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University / Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Fu
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University / Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038 People’s Republic of China
| | - Dehui Kong
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University / Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038 People’s Republic of China
| | - Siqi Liu
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University / Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhu Zhong
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University / Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Tan
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University / Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Luo
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University / Third Military Medical University, No. 30 Gaotanyan Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing, 400038 People’s Republic of China
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