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Li J, Liang N, Wu Y, Ma X, Liao Z. Effect of internet usage on the life satisfaction of the elderly spousal caregivers of disabled elderly. Sci Rep 2024; 14:22294. [PMID: 39333326 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-73298-8] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This empirical study examines the impact of internet usage on the life satisfaction of spousal caregivers responsible for elderly individuals with disabilities. Utilizing data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), released in November 2023, we analyzed the health status and life satisfaction of these caregivers in the context of the recent rapid development of the internet. A stratified Proportionate to Size Sampling (PPS) approach was employed in this investigation. We assessed whether the life satisfaction of spousal caregivers is associated with internet use and whether internet adoption can moderate intergenerational relationships, interpersonal interactions, and political engagement among these caregivers. The study analyzed a sample of 760 individuals, with an average age of 60.31 years, and rural households comprising 77.14% of the sample. Our findings indicate a positive correlation between internet usage and the life satisfaction of spousal caregivers. This result enhances our understanding of the relationship between internet usage and life satisfaction in this context. Furthermore, this study supports the advancement of internet access for the aging population, assists elderly individuals in bridging the digital divide, and provides a theoretical foundation for the development of targeted, elderly-friendly internet policies by the government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- School of Public Administration, Dongbei University of Finance & Economics, Dalian, 116025, China
| | - Nan Liang
- School of Public Administration, Dongbei University of Finance & Economics, Dalian, 116025, China
| | - Yue Wu
- School of Public Administration, Dongbei University of Finance & Economics, Dalian, 116025, China
| | - Xiangcao Ma
- School of Public Administration, Dongbei University of Finance & Economics, Dalian, 116025, China
| | - Zangyi Liao
- School of Political Science and Public Administration, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, 102249, China.
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Alanazi AA. Tinnitus Prevalence, Associated Characteristics, and Treatment Patterns among Adults in Saudi Arabia. Audiol Res 2024; 14:760-777. [PMID: 39311217 PMCID: PMC11417728 DOI: 10.3390/audiolres14050064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Tinnitus affects millions of people around the world and causes significant negative impacts on their quality of life (QoL). Tinnitus is rarely examined in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of tinnitus among adults, explore their experience with tinnitus, investigate the impact of tinnitus on their QoL, and discover their tinnitus management methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was performed utilizing a non-probability purposive sampling technique and a face-to-face in-person administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and a chi-square test were used to assess the data and find any correlation between the variables. Out of 4860 adults, 320 (males: n = 172; females: n = 148; age range = 18-90 years) had tinnitus, mainly described as a daily, gradual, continuous, whistling, and ringing tinnitus in both ears. Tinnitus prevalence was estimated at 6.54% with a slight predominance in males (6.9%) compared with females (6.2%). Most of the participants were unaware of the cause of their tinnitus. The modal value of the severity of tinnitus signals was severe for both genders. The modal value of the impact of tinnitus on the QoL was moderate for males and severe for females. Sleep, social activities, quiet settings, and concentration were largely affected by tinnitus. Significant associations (p < 0.05) between the impact of tinnitus on the QoL and risk factors, such as gender, age, hearing loss, and hyperacusis were determined. Also, the impact of tinnitus on the QoL was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the duration of complaints and the severity of tinnitus signals. Approximately, 61% of the participants did not use any tinnitus treatment, while the remaining participants usually used hearing aids, medications, and counseling to manage their tinnitus. By increasing awareness, establishing standard practice, developing guidelines for managing tinnitus, expanding access to suitable interventions, and carrying out additional research, adults living with tinnitus in Saudi Arabia will have better support and, ultimately, an enhancement of their overall well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad A. Alanazi
- Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia;
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
- Audiology Clinic, ENT Division, Department of Surgery, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
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Roquet A, Martinelli P, Lampraki C, Jopp DS. Internet Use as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Personal Resources and Stress in Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Aging 2024; 7:e52555. [PMID: 39028547 PMCID: PMC11297370 DOI: 10.2196/52555] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internet use has dramatically increased worldwide, with over two-thirds of the world's population using it, including the older adult population. Technical resources such as internet use have been shown to influence psychological processes such as stress positively. Following the Conservation of Resources theory by Hobfoll, stress experience largely depends on individuals' personal resources and the changes in these resources. While personal resource loss has been shown to lead to stress, we know little regarding the role that technical resources may play on the relationship between personal resources and stress. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the moderating effect of technical resources (internet use) on the relationship between personal resources and stress in younger and older adults. METHODS A total of 275 younger adults (aged 18 to 30 years) and 224 older adults (aged ≥65 years) indicated their levels of stress; change in personal resources (ie, cognitive, social, and self-efficacy resource loss and gain); and internet use. Variance analyses, multiple regression, and moderation analyses were performed to investigate the correlates of stress. RESULTS Results showed that older adults, despite experiencing higher levels of resource loss (questionnaire scores: 1.82 vs 1.54; P<.001) and less resource gain (questionnaire scores: 1.82 vs 2.31; P<.001), were less stressed than younger adults (questionnaire scores: 1.99 vs 2.47; P<.001). We observed that the relationship among resource loss, resource gain, and stress in older adults was moderated by their level of internet use (β=.09; P=.05). Specifically, older adults who used the internet more frequently were less stressed when they experienced high levels of both loss and gain compared to their counterparts who used internet the less in the same conditions. Furthermore, older adults with low resource gain and high resource loss expressed less stress when they used the internet more often compared to those with low internet use. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the importance of internet use in mitigating stress among older adults experiencing resource loss and gain, emphasizing the potential of digital interventions to promote mental health in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélique Roquet
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Martinelli
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Daniela S Jopp
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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de la Rosa PA, Cowden RG, Bulbulia JA, Sibley CG, VanderWeele TJ. Effects of Screen-Based Leisure Time on 24 Subsequent Health and Wellbeing Outcomes: A Longitudinal Outcome-Wide Analysis. Int J Behav Med 2024:10.1007/s12529-024-10307-0. [PMID: 39026119 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-024-10307-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has shown that screen-based leisure time is related to physical and mental health, relationships, and prosocial behaviors. However, it remains unclear whether screen-based leisure time causally affects wellbeing, as previous studies have relied on cross-sectional data, focused on one type of media use (e.g., social media, video games, or internet), or assessed a narrow set of outcomes. METHOD We used three waves (2016, 2017, 2019) of national longitudinal data from the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study to investigate the effects of screen-based leisure time on 24 parameters of wellbeing (n = 11,085). We operationalized screen-based leisure as the sum of time spent browsing the internet, using social media, watching/reading the news, watching videos, and playing video games. We followed the outcome-wide analytic design for observational data by performing a series of multivariable regression models estimating the effect of screen-based leisure time on 24 wellbeing outcomes and assessed potential unmeasured confounding using sensitivity analyses. RESULTS In our primary analysis with the total sample, total screen-based leisure time was associated with a very modest decrease in body satisfaction and a very modest increase in body mass index. Possible evidence of associations was found with increases in number of hours spent exercising and volunteering each week, as well as decreases in number of average daily hours of sleep, self-control, and subjective health. CONCLUSION Screen-based leisure time has the potential to affect health and wellbeing. Results are discussed in light of the high prevalence of screen-based leisure time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A de la Rosa
- Institute for Culture and Society, University of Navarra, Campus Universidad de Navarra, sin número, 31009, Pamplona, Spain.
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Richard G Cowden
- Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, USA
| | - Joseph A Bulbulia
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Chris G Sibley
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tyler J VanderWeele
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, USA
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Liu Q, Wu Y, Yu C, Pei Y. Social activities and depressive symptoms among migrant middle-aged and older adults in China: a network analysis. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1376180. [PMID: 38939230 PMCID: PMC11210719 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1376180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background This study investigated the central symptom within the depression network and examined the relationship between social activities and depressive symptoms among migrant middle-aged and older adults in China. Methods We analyzed data from 1,926 migrants aged 45 and older, derived from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Using network analysis, we identified the central depressive symptom and assessed the association between various social activities and depressive symptoms. Results Network analysis revealed that depressed mood was the most central symptom. Regarding mitigation of depressive symptoms, informal social activities predominantly influenced positive emotions and somatic symptoms. Formal activities were mainly revealed through positive emotions. Solitary activities were manifested primarily through positive emotions and somatic symptoms. In addition, informal and solitary activities showed a stronger correlation with the alleviation of depressive symptoms compared to formal activities. Conclusion The findings underscore the importance of addressing depressed mood in treating depression among migrant middle-aged and older adults. Recognizing the differential impacts of various social activities can aid in the development of customized prevention and intervention strategies aimed at enhancing the mental well-being of this demographic in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- School of Public Administration, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- School of Humanities and Social Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chang Yu
- College of Arts and Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Yaolin Pei
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York City, NY, United States
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Pereira H, Silva P, Torre RD, dos Santos MR, Moutinho A, Solinho S, Proença C, Cabral J, Santos AJ. Men's Social Connectedness in Later Life: A Qualitative Study with Older Men. Geriatrics (Basel) 2024; 9:53. [PMID: 38667520 PMCID: PMC11050630 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics9020053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This qualitative study aimed to understand men's social connectedness in later life in Portugal focusing on their perceptions, obstacles, strategies, and impact on well-being. The sample included 104 older Portuguese men over 65 years of age (Mage = 70.76 years). The qualitative data were the direct transcriptions of the answers given by participants to the electronic interview using thematic analysis. Findings revealed six overarching themes encompassing 18 subcategories: definitions of social connectedness (social support, community identity, mental health promotion, use of community structures), difficulties/obstacles in maintaining social connectedness (ageism, lack of initiative, physical limitations, psychological traits, resources), strategies/actions or resources to establish social connections (use of technology, use of community groups, leisure and sport activities, church/religion), negative impact of difficulties in establishing relevant social connections (mental health, physical health, relationships), positive actions from being socially connected (positive prescriptions to promote social connectedness), and concerns from being socially disconnected (health risks). These findings indicate that the lack of social connectedness creates social vulnerability in later life, and social support is needed to ensure safer aging among older men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Pereira
- Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Pólo IV, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.S.); (R.D.T.); (M.R.d.S.); (A.M.); (S.S.); (C.P.); (A.J.S.)
- Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Patricia Silva
- Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Pólo IV, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.S.); (R.D.T.); (M.R.d.S.); (A.M.); (S.S.); (C.P.); (A.J.S.)
- Research Centre in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD), 5001-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Renata Della Torre
- Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Pólo IV, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.S.); (R.D.T.); (M.R.d.S.); (A.M.); (S.S.); (C.P.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Marta Rosário dos Santos
- Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Pólo IV, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.S.); (R.D.T.); (M.R.d.S.); (A.M.); (S.S.); (C.P.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Adriana Moutinho
- Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Pólo IV, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.S.); (R.D.T.); (M.R.d.S.); (A.M.); (S.S.); (C.P.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Sofia Solinho
- Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Pólo IV, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.S.); (R.D.T.); (M.R.d.S.); (A.M.); (S.S.); (C.P.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Constança Proença
- Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Pólo IV, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.S.); (R.D.T.); (M.R.d.S.); (A.M.); (S.S.); (C.P.); (A.J.S.)
| | | | - Ana Jorge Santos
- Department of Psychology and Education, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Pólo IV, 6200-209 Covilhã, Portugal; (P.S.); (R.D.T.); (M.R.d.S.); (A.M.); (S.S.); (C.P.); (A.J.S.)
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Lee S. Internet Use and Well-Being of Older Adults Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from European Social Survey. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGICAL SOCIAL WORK 2024; 67:96-113. [PMID: 37246398 DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2023.2217682] [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: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined older adults' use of digital technology and its relation to perceived well-being before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. Three cross-sectional survey data from the European Social Survey (ESS) were employed including ESS8-2016 (n = 10,618, Mean age = 73.59 ± 6.76 years; 54.4% female), ESS9-2018 (n = 13,532, Mean age = 73.85 ± 6.58 years; 55.9% female), and ESS10-2020 (n = 4,894, Mean age = 73.49 ± 6.40 years; 59.0% female). Results showed that there was a tendency to increase Internet use on a daily basis across different European countries before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Old age, low education, being widowed, and living in a household with more than five household members were salient factors that are correlated with lower levels of Internet use. Internet use was positively associated with happiness and life satisfaction, and negatively associated with poor general health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunwoo Lee
- The Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Welch V, Ghogomu ET, Barbeau VI, Dowling S, Doyle R, Beveridge E, Boulton E, Desai P, Huang J, Elmestekawy N, Hussain T, Wadhwani A, Boutin S, Haitas N, Kneale D, Salzwedel DM, Simard R, Hébert P, Mikton C. Digital interventions to reduce social isolation and loneliness in older adults: An evidence and gap map. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2023; 19:e1369. [PMID: 38024780 PMCID: PMC10681039 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Social isolation and loneliness are more common in older adults and are associated with a serious impact on their well-being, mental health, physical health, and longevity. They are a public health concern highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, hence the need for digital technology tools to enable remotely delivered interventions to alleviate the impact of social isolation and loneliness during the COVID-19 restrictions. Objectives To map available evidence on the effects of digital interventions to mitigate social isolation and/or loneliness in older adults in all settings except hospital settings. Search Methods We searched the following databases from inception to May 16, 2021, with no language restrictions. Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, APA PsycInfo via Ovid, CINAHL via EBSCO, Web of Science via Clarivate, ProQuest (all databases), International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS) via ProQuest, EBSCO (all databases except CINAHL), Global Index Medicus, and Epistemonikos. Selection Criteria Titles and abstracts and full text of potentially eligible articles were independently screened in duplicate following the eligibility criteria. Data Collection and Analysis We developed and pilot tested a data extraction code set in Eppi-Reviewer and data were individually extracted and coded based on an intervention-outcome framework which was also used to define the dimensions of the evidence and gap map. Main Results We included 200 articles (103 primary studies and 97 systematic reviews) that assessed the effects of digital interventions to reduce social isolation and/or loneliness in older adults. Most of the systematic reviews (72%) were classified as critically low quality, only 2% as high quality and 25% were published since the COVID-19 pandemic. The evidence is unevenly distributed with clusters predominantly in high-income countries and none in low-income countries. The most common interventions identified are digital interventions to enhance social interactions with family and friends and the community via videoconferencing and telephone calls. Digital interventions to enhance social support, particularly socially assistive robots, and virtual pets were also common. Most interventions focused on reducing loneliness and depression and improving quality of life of older adults. Major gaps were identified in community level outcomes and process indicators. No included studies or reviews assessed affordability or digital divide although the value of accessibility and barriers caused by digital divide were discussed in three primary studies and three reviews. Adverse effects were reported in only two studies and six reviews. No study or review included participants from the LGBTQIA2S+ community and only one study restricted participants to 80 years and older. Very few described how at-risk populations were recruited or conducted any equity analysis to assess differences in effects for populations experiencing inequities across PROGRESS-Plus categories. Authors' Conclusions The restrictions placed on people during the pandemic have shone a spotlight onto social isolation and loneliness, particularly for older adults. This evidence and gap map shows available evidence on the effectiveness of digital interventions for reducing social isolation or loneliness in older adults. Although the evidence is relatively large and recent, it is unevenly distributed and there is need for more high-quality research. This map can guide researchers and funders to consider areas of major gaps as priorities for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Welch
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | | | - Sierra Dowling
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | - Ella Beveridge
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Elisabeth Boulton
- School of Health Sciences, Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social WorkUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Payaam Desai
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Jimmy Huang
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | | | - Arpana Wadhwani
- Methods Centre, Bruyère Research InstituteOttawaOntarioCanada
| | | | | | - Dylan Kneale
- Social Science Research Unit, EPPI‐Centre, UCL Institute of EducationUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Douglas M. Salzwedel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and TherapeuticsUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | | | - Paul Hébert
- Bruyère Research InstituteUniversity of OttawaOttawaOntarioCanada
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Fu Y, Chen M. Association between internet use and depressive symptoms among older adults: mediating role of daytime napping and moderating role of productive engagement. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:2248-2256. [PMID: 37593887 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2245766] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated the mediating role of daytime napping in the relationship between internet use and depressive symptoms among older adults. Further the moderating effect of productive engagement was assessed on the linkage between internet use and depressive symptoms. METHODS We surveyed 956 Chinese community-dwelling older adults. Respondents reported their internet use for different purposes (social, informational, and instrumental use), rated their levels of depressive symptoms and of daytime napping, and reported different types of/overall productive engagement. We conducted mediation and moderation analyses to test the potential pathways of associations among those factors. RESULTS Daytime napping mediated the association between social and informational internet use and depressive symptoms. Family caregiving, sporting activities, and overall productive engagement each moderated the relationship between internet use and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION Internet use can increase the risk of depressive symptoms in older adults by increasing daytime napping. However, the benefits of internet use can be particularly salient for those who have a low level of productive engagement. The findings have implications for policies and practices that are designed to help older adults access the internet to enhance well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Fu
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, Haidian, Beijing, China
| | - Mengtong Chen
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Chan DYL, Lee SWH, Teh PL. Factors influencing technology use among low-income older adults: A systematic review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20111. [PMID: 37809586 PMCID: PMC10559849 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
As the world's aging population increases, leveraging technology to support aging is proving advantageous. Notably, technology adoption studies among older adults have received increasing scholarly attention, but findings from these studies do not reflect the context of low-income older adults. Studies focusing on low-income older adults were relatively few and it remains unclear which factors influence this group's technology use. This systematic review aims to synthesize findings on factors influencing technology use among low-income older adults to provide directions and opportunities for future research in information systems. Observing the literature through the lens of Social Cognitive Theory, we identified avenues for future research and further integrated the framework with Maslow's hierarchy of needs to elucidate the phenomenon. Findings from this systematic review suggest that both personal and environmental factors, such as cognitions, affects, sociodemographic characteristics, technological and social environment are significant predictors of technology use among low-income older adults. Specifically, factors related to accessibility and affordability, such as income, perceived cost, and accessibility to technology are salient in a resource-limited setting. More importantly, the technology usage behavior elucidate the embeddedness of fundamental human needs which plays a central role underlying technology use among this segment. However, more research is needed to understand the interaction between person, environment and behavior determinant shaping technology use among low-income older adults from diverse economic and cultural setting. This study also sheds light on disciplinary gaps and the lack of investigations anchored on theoretical foundations, and suggests avenues for future research and implications for practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Yian Lian Chan
- School of Business, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shaun Wen Huey Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
- School of Pharmacy, Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, Jalan Taylor's, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Gerontechnology Laboratory, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Pei-Lee Teh
- School of Business, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
- Gerontechnology Laboratory, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
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Buschulte K, Höger P, Ganter C, Wijsenbeek M, Kahn N, Kriegsmann K, Wilkens FM, Fisher JH, Ryerson CJ, Herth FJF, Kreuter M. Is the internet a sufficient source of information on sarcoidosis? Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1217146. [PMID: 37441693 PMCID: PMC10333509 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1217146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Many patients use the internet as a source of health information. Sarcoidosis is a complex disease, and internet resources have not yet been analyzed for reliability and content on sarcoidosis. Aims Our study aimed to investigate the content and the quality of information on sarcoidosis provided by internet resources. Methods Google, Yahoo, and Bing were searched for the term "sarcoidosis," and the first 200 hits were saved in each case. Those websites that met the inclusion criteria (English language, no registration fees, and relevant to sarcoidosis) were then analyzed by two independent investigators for readability, quality (HON, JAMA, and DISCERN), and content (25 predefined key facts) of the provided information. Results The websites were most commonly scientific or governmental (n = 57, 46%), and the median time since the last update was 24 months. Quality was rated with a median JAMA score of 2 (1; 4) and a median overall DISCERN score of 2.4 (1.1; 4.1), both scores represent partially sufficient information. In total, 15% of websites had a HON certificate. Website content measured by the median key fact score was 19 (ranging from 2.5 to 25) with the lowest scores for acute vs. chronic course of the disease, screening for extrapulmonary disease, and diffuse body pain. Poor results were achieved in industry websites and blogs (p = 0.047) with significant differences regarding definition (p = 0.004) and evaluation (p = 0.021). Discussion Sarcoidosis-related content of internet resources is partially sufficient; however, several important aspects are frequently not addressed, and the quality of information is moderate. Future directions should focus on providing reliable and comprehensive information on sarcoidosis; physicians from different disciplines and patients including self-support groups should collaborate on achieving this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Buschulte
- Center for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases, Pneumology and Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik, University of Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Höger
- Center for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases, Pneumology and Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik, University of Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Ganter
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Innere Medizin V, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marlies Wijsenbeek
- Center for Interstitial Lung Diseases and Sarcoidosis, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Erasmus MC-University Medical, Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nicolas Kahn
- Center for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases, Pneumology and Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik, University of Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Kriegsmann
- Laborarztpraxis Rhein-Main MVZ GbR, Limbach Gruppe SE, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Finn M. Wilkens
- Center for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases, Pneumology and Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik, University of Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jolene H. Fisher
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher J. Ryerson
- Department of Medicine and Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Felix J. F. Herth
- Center for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases, Pneumology and Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik, University of Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Kreuter
- Center for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases, Pneumology and Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik, University of Heidelberg, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Pulmonary Medicine, Departments of Pneumology, Mainz University Medical Center and of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Marienhaus Clinic Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Fung KK, Hung SSL, Lai DWL, Shum MHY, Fung HW, He L. Access to Information and Communication Technology, Digital Skills, and Perceived Well-Being among Older Adults in Hong Kong. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6208. [PMID: 37444058 PMCID: PMC10340767 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136208] [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: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Population aging is a major concern worldwide. Active aging should be promoted by increasing the social participation of older adults and enabling them to remain involved in the community. Research has demonstrated the utility of digital resources for addressing the needs of older adults, which include networking, entertaining, and seeking health-related information. However, the digital divide among older adults (i.e., the "gray digital divide") is increasingly being recognized as a social problem that may be related to poor well-being. To obtain updated local data on the prevalence of Internet access and usage and their relationship with perceived well-being, we conducted telephone interviews with a random sample of 1018 older adults in Hong Kong from January to July 2021 (This research has received funding support from the Interdisciplinary Research Matching Scheme, Hong Kong Baptist University). We found that only 76.5% of the participants had Internet access at home, a mobile phone data plan, or both, whereas 36.3% had never used Internet services and 18.2% had no digital devices. A younger age, male gender, higher education level, living with others, and higher self-perceived social class were associated with material access to digital devices and everyday use of Internet services. Participants who accessed the Internet every day had higher levels of life satisfaction and self-rated physical and mental health than those who rarely or never used the Internet. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that digital skills were significantly associated with self-rated mental health even when controlling for demographic variables (including age, gender, education level, and self-perceived social class). This study contributes to the limited body of literature on the relationship between Internet use, digital skills, and perceived well-being. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing the digital divide even in cities with high penetration of information and communication technology, such as Hong Kong. We also discuss our insights into the use of timely interventions for older adults to address the gray digital divide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwok-kin Fung
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (K.-k.F.)
| | - Shirley Suet-lin Hung
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (K.-k.F.)
| | - Daniel W. L. Lai
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Michelle H. Y. Shum
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (K.-k.F.)
| | - Hong-wang Fung
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (K.-k.F.)
| | - Langjie He
- Department of Social Work, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; (K.-k.F.)
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Chen HWJ, Marzo RR, Sapa NH, Ahmad A, Anuar H, Baobaid MF, Jamaludin NA, Hamzah H, Sarrafan S, Ads HO, Kumar KA, Hadi J, Sazali H, Abdalqader MA. Trends in Health Communication: Social Media Needs and Quality of Life among Older Adults in Malaysia. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11101455. [PMID: 37239741 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11101455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While social media continues to dominate, social media platforms have become powerful health communication tools for older users. However, fulfilling their social media needs can be both detrimental and beneficial to their quality of life (QoL). This study assessed social media needs as they relate to QoL among older adults in Malaysia. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study and adopted convenience sampling to recruit participants. The participants were required to self-report their sociodemographic profile, social media use and needs, and QoL. Social media use and needs were assessed using the Social Networking Sites Uses and Needs (SNSUN) scale, and QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify the predictors of QoL. RESULTS The findings revealed that the fulfilment of social integrative needs was the strongest predictor of higher QoL in all domains. However, those using social media for their affective needs demonstrated lower psychological health quality. CONCLUSIONS Fulfilling social integrative needs is the key to improving the QoL among older adults. The continuous development of age-friendly applications is essential to keep up with constantly changing social media trends and bridge the gap of social media inequalities. More importantly, it would enable older adults to utilize social media to its fullest potential and enjoy a higher QoL through accessible health communication tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana W Jun Chen
- International Medical School, Management & Science University, Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Roy Rillera Marzo
- International Medical School, Management & Science University, Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
- Global Public Health, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Petaling Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nur Hafizah Sapa
- School of Graduate Studies, Management & Science University, Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Absar Ahmad
- College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi 834006, Jharkhand, India
| | - Haryati Anuar
- International Medical School, Management & Science University, Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohammed Faez Baobaid
- International Medical School, Management & Science University, Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Akmal Jamaludin
- International Medical School, Management & Science University, Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hazian Hamzah
- International Medical School, Management & Science University, Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siamak Sarrafan
- International Medical School, Management & Science University, Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hassan Omar Ads
- International Medical School, Management & Science University, Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kavitha Ashok Kumar
- International Medical School, Management & Science University, Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Jalal Hadi
- International Medical School, Management & Science University, Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hafsah Sazali
- International Medical School, Management & Science University, Shah Alam 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
- School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Wen W, Zhang Y, Shi W, Li J. Association Between Internet Use and Physical Health, Mental Health, and Subjective Health in Middle-aged and Older Adults: Nationally Representative Cross-sectional Survey in China. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e40956. [PMID: 36943368 PMCID: PMC10131878 DOI: 10.2196/40956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internet use is an important means of accessing health-related information. Identifying the associations between internet use and health outcomes could provide insight into strategies for improving public health among middle-aged and older adults (45 years and up). OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the relationship between internet use and health outcomes in middle-aged and older adults. METHODS Data were obtained from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Physical, mental, and subjective health were assessed using the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale, the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the 3-level Self-Rated Health Scale, respectively. The chi-square test and rank sum test were used to explore whether internet use was associated with health status. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine this association further after controlling for the confounding factors. RESULTS Overall, 13% (1752/13,474) of the participants used the internet. Regression analyses revealed that the prevalence of depression (odds ratio [OR] 0.59, 95% CI 0.52-0.68; P<.001), negative self-rated health (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.61-0.76; P<.001), and difficulty with ADL (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.39-0.60; P<.001) in the participating middle-aged and older adult was lower in those using the internet than nonusers. After controlling for confounding factors, internet use was found to be negatively associated with difficulty with ADL (urban: OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.32-0.61; P<.001 vs rural: OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41-0.75; P<.001), depression (urban: OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.57-0.84; P<.001 vs rural: OR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.43-0.63; P<.001), and self-rated health status (urban: OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.61-0.81; P<.001 vs rural: OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.57-0.78; P<.001) among middle-aged and older adults in both urban and rural areas. CONCLUSIONS Internet use had a positive effect on the physical and mental health of middle-aged and older adults who participated in this study. However, the internet usage rate remains low among older Chinese people. Therefore, the internet penetration rate should be a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Wen
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, China
| | - Yaru Zhang
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, China
| | - Wenjie Shi
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, China
| | - Jiajia Li
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, China
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Kung CSJ, Steptoe A. Changes in Internet use patterns among older adults in England from before to after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3932. [PMID: 36894600 PMCID: PMC9995747 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30882-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about an increased reliance on the Internet for various daily activities. Given the known digital divide, it is important to understand whether older adults changed their Internet use patterns, but current evidence is limited to cross-sectional studies. This study documents changes in frequency and types of Internet use among older adults from before to shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic (2018/2019 to June/July 2020), and the factors predicting regular use during these early days of the pandemic. Using data on 6,840 adults aged 50 + from the nationally representative English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, we apply longitudinal fixed-effects models to examine within-individual changes in Internet use behaviour. There was no change in the likelihood of daily Internet use between 2018/2019 and June/July 2020, despite the increased digitalisation of services over the pandemic. Daily use in June/July 2020 was negatively related to age, neighbourhood deprivation, and loneliness, and positively related to partnership status, education, employment, income, and organisation membership. Using the Internet for making calls and getting information about Government services increased, which was important given the social restrictions and overall uncertainty. However, Internet use for finding health-related information decreased. As the world moves towards digital alternatives post-pandemic, it is important to continually ensure older adults are not at risk of exclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claryn S J Kung
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.
| | - Andrew Steptoe
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
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16
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Shi JG, Liu M, Fu G, Dai X. Internet use among older adults: Determinants of usage and impacts on individuals’ well-being. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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E Y, Yang J, Niu L, Lu C. The impact of internet use on health status among older adults in China: The mediating role of social support. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1108096. [PMID: 36908418 PMCID: PMC9992883 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1108096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With the popularization of the Internet, the use of the Internet is becoming more and more important in the daily life of older adults. However, previous research mainly focuses on Internet use and health in general, and the mechanism of this effect remains to be studied. To bridge this gap, this study aims to explore the mediational effects of social support between Internet use and health among older adults in China. Methods The data used in this article are from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS). Social support is divided into two aspects and four dimensions: informal social support (relatives support, friends support, neighbors support) and formal social support (social insurance). This article uses the nested multivariate OLS regression models to analyze the impact of Internet use on health. Furthermore, Finally, SPSS macro PROCESS is applied to test their mediation effects. Results Informal social support positively influenced the health status among older adults, while formal social support did not. Among the three types of informal social support, relatives support and friends support significantly affected health status among Chinese older adults. Regarding social support differences between urban and rural areas, it was found that relatives support is a positively significant factor for rural older adults, while friends support is significant for urban older adults. Conclusions Since Internet use has many ways of impacting health status, social support only plays a partial mediating role in this study. It recommends that the government should take compelling measures to encourage and promote the use of the Internet among older adults and obtain various social support to improve their health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting E
- Department of Sociology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianke Yang
- Department of Sociology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Long Niu
- Department of Sociology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunli Lu
- School of Normal Education, Longyan University, Longyan, Fujian, China
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18
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Guo B, Zhang X, Zhang R, Chen G. The Association between Internet Use and Physical Exercise among Middle-Aged and Older Adults-Evidence from China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16401. [PMID: 36554283 PMCID: PMC9778177 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416401] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In an aging and digital society, Internet use is significantly associated with residents' physical exercise. This study aimed to explore the association between Internet use and physical exercise among Chinese middle-aged and older adults in two respects: Internet use and the purpose of Internet use. METHODS The data used in this study were obtained from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted by Peking University. The logit model and the ordered probit model were used to analyze the association between Internet use and physical exercise, and the substitution variable method was used to examine the robustness of the results. RESULTS (1) Internet use and the frequency of Internet use significantly increased the probability and frequency of middle-aged and older adults' participation in physical exercise (p < 0.001). (2) "Watching news", "chatting" and "watching videos" via the Internet were positively associated with physical exercise, while "playing games" had no impact. (3) Internet use had a greater impact on physical exercise participation among middle-aged adults and those living in urban areas than among older adults and those living in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that Internet use among middle-aged and older adults is positively associated with their participation in physical exercise; the government should try to increase the popularity of Internet use to encourage their participation in physical exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Guo
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Physical Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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Can the internet mitigate the negative effect of widowhood on Quality of Life? A gender analysis. JOURNAL OF POPULATION AGEING 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12062-022-09373-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
AbstractWidowhood often reduces the Quality of Life of individuals of advanced ages by negatively affecting their social network ties. Yet conversely, the Internet has also created new opportunities for communication and interaction, thus contributing to improved Quality of Life. This research analyses the role of the Internet in the relationship between widowhood and Quality of Life from a gender perspective.This study focuses on 31,814 individuals aged 65 or over residing in 17 European countries who participated in Wave 6 of SHARE – the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe.The linear regression analyses highlighted that the role of the Internet in the relationship between widowhood and Quality of Life varies according to gender. More specifically, in Europe, the Quality of Life for widowed women aged 65+ using the Internet is .414 higher (CI=.006 to .0822) than widows who do not use the Internet and married women or women in a de facto relationship whether or not they use the Internet. The results have relevant implications for the development of social policies and suggest a need to develop digital inclusion projects targeting older people, particularly widows, to help promote their Quality of Life.
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Sagong H, Yoon JY. The Effects of Smartphone Use on Life Satisfaction in Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Depressive Symptoms. Comput Inform Nurs 2022; 40:523-530. [PMID: 35929743 DOI: 10.1097/cin.0000000000000867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As the number of smartphone use by older adults increases, investigating the effects of smartphone use on health outcome become important in healthcare. This study aimed to investigate the effects of smartphone use on life satisfaction and the mediating role of depressive symptoms in older adults. This is a secondary data analysis study using the 2017 Korean Media Panel Survey. A total of 2071 respondents aged 65 years and older were analyzed to examine the effects of mobile phone type (no mobile phone/2G phone/smartphone) on life satisfaction. Among the respondents, data from 680 smartphone owners were analyzed to find the effects of the level of smartphone use on life satisfaction. The 2G mobile phone and smartphone owner groups showed significant positive effects on life satisfaction compared with the no mobile phone group, respectively. The level of smartphone use showed significant positive effects on life satisfaction. Depressive symptoms played a mediating role in both models. Smartphone use showed positive effects on life satisfaction in older adults. Nurses should promote the well-being of older adults and minimize the digital health gap in the future by increasing older adults' smartphone use through multi-level approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Sagong
- Author Affiliations: College of Nursing, Auburn University (Dr Sagong), AL; and Research Institute of Nursing Science, Center for Human-Caring Nurse Leaders for the Future by Brain Korea 21 (BK 21) Four Project, College of Nursing, Seoul National University (Dr Yoon), Korea
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21
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Association of eHealth Literacy with Health Promotion Behaviors of Community-Dwelling Older People: The Chain Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy and Self-Care Ability. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106092. [PMID: 35627627 PMCID: PMC9140768 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In the digital age, electronic health literacy (eHealth literacy) of community-dwelling older people plays a potentially important role in their health behaviors which are critical for health outcomes. Researchers have documented that self-efficacy and self-care ability are related to this relationship. This study aimed to assess the relationship between eHealth literacy and health promotion behaviors among older people living in communities and explore the chain mediating role of self-efficacy and self-care ability. For this cross-sectional study, we used data from 425 older adults at 3 communities in Qingdao, Shandong Province in Northeastern China, from June to September 2021. Path analysis using the structural equation model was performed. We found that eHealth literacy was significantly associated with health promotion behaviors in older people. Additionally, eHealth literacy indirectly affected health promotion behaviors through self-efficacy and self-care ability, respectively. In addition, the chain mediation effect was identified in the relationship of eHealth literacy and health promotion behaviors: eHealth literacy→ self-efficacy→ self-care ability→ health promotion behaviors. These findings offer promising directions for developing interventions to modify older adults' health behaviors through enhancing their eHealth literacy. These interventions should integrate components that target improving the self-efficacy and self-care ability of older people.
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Quialheiro A, Figueiró TH, Rech CR, Marques LP, Paiva KMD, Xavier AJ, d'Orsi E. Can internet use reduce the incidence of cognitive impairment? Analysis of the EpiFloripa Aging Cohort Study (2009-2019). Prev Med 2022; 154:106904. [PMID: 34863810 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to estimate the effect of internet use on the incidence of cognitive impairment in older adults. Data are from the EpiFloripa Aging Cohort Study which has been following a population-based sample of older adults (60+) residing in Florianópolis, southern Brazil, for ten years. The outcome was the incidence of cognitive decline in follow-up waves measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination using cutoff points according to education. The exposure was internet use according to wave (yes/no). We excluded individuals with cognitive impairment from Wave 1 (n = 453). We used a longitudinal analysis model (Generalized Estimating Equations) to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals. We estimated the risk of cognitive impairment in Wave 2 or Wave 3 according to internet use in the previous wave. The incidence of cognitive impairment was 13.4% in Wave 2 and 13.3% in Wave 3. Despite the aging of this cohort, the prevalence of internet users increased from 26.4% in Wave 1 to 32.8% in Wave 2 and 46.8% in Wave 3. The risk of cognitive impairment in Wave 2 or Wave 3 was 70% lower for older adults who used the internet in the previous wave, adjusted for sex, age, years of education, household income, and self-reported comorbidities (IRR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.15-0.61; p = 0.001). Internet use was associated with a decline in the incidence of cognitive impairment among older adults living in the urban areas of southern Brazil after a period of ten years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Quialheiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute, Medical School, University of Minho, Portugal.
| | - Thamara Hubler Figueiró
- Post-Graduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Cassiano Ricardo Rech
- Post-Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Larissa Pruner Marques
- Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karina Mary de Paiva
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - André Junqueira Xavier
- Post-Graduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil; Medicine Course, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, Brazil
| | - Eleonora d'Orsi
- Post-Graduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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Zhang S, Zhang Y. The Relationship Between Internet Use and Mental Health Among Older Adults in China: The Mediating Role of Physical Exercise. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:4697-4708. [PMID: 34866945 PMCID: PMC8633706 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s338183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Affected by internet applications, mental health among older adults has become an important public health issue in China. This study aimed to use cross-sectional data to explore how internet use affects mental health among older adults in China, along with the moderating role of physical exercise in the above relationship. Methods This study employed data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) conducted in 2017. In addition, OLS regression was adopted to explore the impacts of internet use on the mental health of older adults in China. Results Results from the cross-sectional data model showed that internet use had a statistically significant and positive correlation with the mental health of older adults. The regression result of the full sample showed that the regression coefficient of the influence of internet use on the mental health of the elderly was 0.114, which was significant at the 1% level. Furthermore, this study used mediating analysis to explore the possible underlying mechanism by which internet use influenced mental health status through physical exercise. Physical exercise played a mediating role in the relationship between internet use and mental health; the ratio of the indirect effect to total effect mediated was 0.272. It is important to note that the effect size of the indirect effect through physical exercise was quite large. Conclusion Our findings suggested that internet use was significantly associated with better mental health status for older Chinese residents, mediated by higher physical exercise frequency, which was consistent with China’s recent efforts to promote health governance with the “Internet Plus Exercise” campaign. Consequently, the government must encourage the development of more internet applications suitable for the elderly to increase their exercise frequency and ultimately improve their mental health. These results also provided insights for clinical solutions. ![]()
Point your SmartPhone at the code above. If you have a QR code reader the video abstract will appear. Or use: https://youtu.be/C6UGnEEjtO4
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhang
- China Institute for Urban Governance, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China.,School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, People's Republic of China
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Kim J, Gray JA, Ciesla JR, Yao P. The Impact of an Internet Use Promotion Programme on Communication, Internet Use, and the Extent of Social Networks among Low-Income Older Adults. AGEING INTERNATIONAL 2021; 47:348-371. [PMID: 34305212 PMCID: PMC8294218 DOI: 10.1007/s12126-021-09422-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We examined whether an internet use promotion intervention influences low-income older adults’ communication modes, internet use, and social networks using existing data collected for an intervention. Participants living in public senior housing facilities in the United States (n = 77) completed surveys before and after a 12-week computer and internet training. The six-item Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) was used to measure the extent of older adults’ social networks. The primary mode of communication shifted from more traditional means to internet-based communications (p < .0005 in a Fisher’s exact test). The frequency of internet use significantly increased (p < .00005 in a one-sided Sign test). Overall, the LSNS-6 score increased by 4.1 points (p < .00005 in a Welch’s t-test). The LSNS-6 score increase was significantly larger among African Americans than Whites, controlling for gender (p < .05 in negative binomial regression). Moderate (p < .005) and frequent internet users (p < .05) had higher LSNS-6 scores than rare internet users at posttest when gender and race were controlled for in linear regression. Comparatively more improvement in the extent of social networks among African Americans suggests greater benefits of such interventions for population groups of disadvantaged backgrounds. Larger social networks among moderate and frequent internet users than rare users suggest positive impacts of internet communications on social networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsook Kim
- School of Health Studies, Northern Illinois University, Wirtz Hall 254, DeKalb, Illinois 60115 USA
| | - Jennifer A. Gray
- School of Health Studies, Northern Illinois University, Wirtz Hall 254, DeKalb, Illinois 60115 USA
| | - James R. Ciesla
- College of Health and Human Services, Bowling Green State University, 105 Health and Human Services Building, Bowling Green, OH 43403 USA
| | - Ping Yao
- School of Health Studies, Northern Illinois University, Wirtz Hall 254, DeKalb, Illinois 60115 USA
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Wallinheimo AS, Evans SL. More Frequent Internet Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic Associates with Enhanced Quality of Life and Lower Depression Scores in Middle-Aged and Older Adults. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:393. [PMID: 33916054 PMCID: PMC8066902 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9040393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Concerns have been raised regarding middle-aged and older adults' mental health during the coronavirus outbreak. The aim of the current study was to characterise associations between internet use (frequency and purpose), depression symptoms and Quality of Life (QoL) during the pandemic, in individuals aged 55-75. Data (N = 3491) were drawn from the English longitudinal study of ageing (ELSA) cohort study collected in June/July 2020 (while social distancing measures were in place). Associations with frequency of use were tested using analysis of covariance (ANCOVAS), controlling for covariates such as wealth and education. Type of internet use (for communication, information search) was also analysed amongst frequent users. Significant effects of frequency of use were observed (p = 0.01 for depression, p < 0.001 for QoL), with lower depression symptoms and higher QoL scores amongst more frequent users. Regarding purpose of use, those who reported using the internet for communication purposes had higher QoL. However, use for health-related or Government services information searching was associated with more depression symptoms. Results provide important information regarding the potential benefits of internet use for middle-aged and older people, suggesting that strategies to increase internet usage (particularly for communication) might benefit middle-aged and older adults' mental health and counter isolation as the coronavirus crisis continues to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon L. Evans
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK;
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