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Chai Y, Xian G, Wang M, Guo L, Luo S. Aging wisely: The impact of Internet use on older adults' mental health. J Affect Disord 2024; 364:139-145. [PMID: 39147146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.08.076] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to explore the impact of Internet use on the mental health of older adults and its pathway mechanisms and to provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for improving the mental health of older adults and better realizing active aging. Using cross-sectional data from the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey, 6722 older adults over 60 were finally included. We conducted descriptive and correlation analyses of the data; we analyzed the correlation of Internet use on the depression level and cognitive ability of older adults using seemingly unrelated regression; we further explored the mediating role of socialization frequency in the relationship between Internet use and the depression level and cognitive ability of older adults and its differences through mediation analysis. The results showed that the mean age of older adults in this study was (68.52 ± 5.97), the mean Internet use score was (1.12 ± 1.63), the mean depression score was (8.44 ± 6.31), and the mean cognitive score was (12.17 ± 3.27). Internet use had a positive impact on the mental health of older adults, including lowering depression (β = -0.275, P < 0.05) and improving cognition (β = 0.300, P < 0.05). Socialization frequency mediated the relationship between Internet use and depression/cognitive ability (95 % CI = -0.034 to -0.008, 95 % CI = 0.007-0.022). Therefore, it is essential to encourage older adults to use the Internet, actively integrate into the digital society, promote wise aging, share the fruits of technological development, and utilize the Internet to maintain the mental health of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Chai
- School of Management, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Guowei Xian
- School of Management, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Mengxue Wang
- School of Management, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Lin Guo
- School of Management, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Sheng Luo
- School of Management, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, 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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Zhang K, Burr JA, Mutchler JE, Lu J. Internet Use and Loneliness Among Urban and Non-Urban Chinese Older Adults: The Roles of Family Support, Friend Support, and Social Participation. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2024; 79:gbae081. [PMID: 38742464 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbae081] [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: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated the association between internet use and loneliness among older Chinese adults, and the mediating effects of family support, friend support, and social participation. These associations were evaluated in the context of urban and non-urban geographic settings. METHODS This study used data from the 2018 wave of the China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey (N = 10,126), examining samples of urban (n = 3,917) and non-urban (n = 6,209) older adults separately. Linear regression and path analysis within a structural equation modeling framework were employed. RESULTS Internet use was negatively associated with loneliness for both urban and non-urban residing older adults. Family support and social participation mediated the association between internet use and loneliness for both urban and non-urban residing older Chinese adults, but friend support mediated this association only for urban older residents. DISCUSSION This study shed light on our understanding of the relationship between internet use and loneliness among older adults in the Chinese context. Also, these findings suggested that digital interventions for loneliness should pay special attention to the different characteristics of urban and non-urban dwelling older Chinese adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunyu Zhang
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Burr
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jan E Mutchler
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jiehua Lu
- Institute for National Strategic Studies on Ageing, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Wang G, Xu J. The Effect of Social Media Forwarding on Subjective Well-Being in Chinese Older Adults: A Moderated Mediation Model. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:917-931. [PMID: 38464811 PMCID: PMC10924885 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s449852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose In the intersection of the aging and information era, the development of digital aging significantly influences the well-being of older individuals. Given the divergent findings in various studies exploring the effects of social media use on mental health, this study specifically examined the impact of forwarding, a prevalent social media behavior among older individuals, focusing on the effects of use intensity on their subjective well-being (SWB) and the specific mechanisms involved. Materials and Methods A total of 323 Chinese older adults completed the questionnaire. SPSS along with Hayes Process Models 4 and 7 was employed to test the hypotheses. Results The results indicated that social media forwarding intensity significantly and positively predicted SWB of older adults. This association was partially mediated by perceived social support (PSS) and self-esteem. Gender served as a moderator, highlighting that the positive predictive effects of forwarding intensity on PSS and self-esteem were more pronounced for older men than for older women. Further, the findings confirmed the existence of the moderated mediating effect such that the impact of forwarding on SWB was mediated through both PSS and self-esteem for older men, while, for older women, it was solely mediated by PSS. Conclusion This study revealed the positive impact of forwarding, a user-friendly social media function, on the well-being of older adults and elucidated the specific mechanisms through a moderated mediation model. In light of these findings, we propose customizing the development of age-friendly social media functions to address the diverse psychological needs of older adults, taking into account gender differences. These findings may offer valuable insights for constructing digital age-friendly platforms and fostering active aging development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geng Wang
- School of Media & Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Xu
- School of Media & Communication, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Fingerman KL, Zhou Z, Gao S. Intergenerational ties in late life. Curr Opin Psychol 2024; 55:101743. [PMID: 38061234 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101743] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
At the turn of the twenty-first century, scholars predicted that ties between aging parents and grown offspring would grow in prominence and become the primary relationship for many adults. These ties are often emotionally complex, in both positive and negative ways, and resource rich with regard to support. Contact between generations has become both more frequent in the form of coresidence and less frequent due to high rates of migration. Support exchanges are often high in this tie involving, emotional, financial and practical assistance. A burgeoning literature addresses the implications of loss of this tie via death or estrangement. Collectively, recent studies address strengths of these ties, and explanations for their absence when that occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Fingerman
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Zexi Zhou
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sibo Gao
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Raquel Costa-Brito A, Bovolini A, Rúa-Alonso M, Vaz C, Francisco Ortega-Morán J, Blas Pagador J, Vila-Chã C. Home-based exercise interventions delivered by technology in older adults: A scoping review of technological tools usage. Int J Med Inform 2024; 181:105287. [PMID: 37972483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105287] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite technology-based systems being considered promising tools to stimulate and increase physical function at home, most older adults are unfamiliar with technology, which may pose some difficulties. Technology-related parameters, such as adherence, acceptance, and acceptability, are crucial to achieving higher efficacy levels of home-based exercise interventions delivered by technology. In this scoping review, we aimed to revise the use of home-based technological tools to improve physical function in the older population, focusing on the user's experience and perspective. Methods This scoping review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted in April 2022 and updated in April 2023. A total of 45 studies were included in the review. Results Most studies (95.5%) met the technology usage levels defined by the research team or reported satisfactory technology usage levels. Positive health-related outcomes were reported in 80% of studies. Although the existence of guidelines to correctly define and use measures associated with technology use, including adherence, acceptance and acceptability, some terms are still being used interchangeably. Some concerns related to the lack of an international consensus regarding technology usage measures and the exclusion of older adults who did not own or have previous experience with technology in a large percentage of the included studies may have limited the results obtained. Conclusions Altogether, home-based exercise interventions delivered through technology were associated with positive health-related outcomes in older adults, and technology usage levels are considered satisfactory. Older adults are willing and able to use technology autonomously if adequate support is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Bovolini
- Polytechnic of Guarda, Guarda, Portugal; Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences, and Human Development, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - María Rúa-Alonso
- Polytechnic of Guarda, Guarda, Portugal; Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences, and Human Development, Vila Real, Portugal; Performance and Health Group, Department of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education, University of A Coruna, A Coruña, Spain
| | | | | | - J Blas Pagador
- Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Carolina Vila-Chã
- Polytechnic of Guarda, Guarda, Portugal; Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences, and Human Development, Vila Real, Portugal.
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Dongping X, Rengui G, Yangming H, Zan H, Hua X. Neighborhood effects on the health of elderly persons: evidence from China. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:879. [PMID: 38129769 PMCID: PMC10734158 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04609-3] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Presently, global aging has become increasingly serious, whereas the health concerns brought by aging have become a public issue that warrants an urgent solution from all countries across the world. Therefore, this research paper discusses the influence of neighborhood health on elderly individuals' health, and extending a realistic basis for the other economies to improve the neighborhood environment and promote the health of the elderly. METHODS Based on the data of CHARLS2018, this research paper adopts the samples that fulfill the study requirements (N = 7326). we constructed a comprehensive research framework integrating oprobit regression model, heterogeneity analysis, conditional mixed process(CMP)robustness testing, Furthermore, the KHB decomposition method is implemented to ascertain the influential mechanism of NMH and NPH on the mental- and physical health of elderly persons. RESULTS The oprobit regression model analysis indicates that NMH 0.434 and NPH 0.550 exert positive influences on the elderly's mental- and physical health. Meanwhile, the effects of conditional mixed process on NMH and NPH stand at 0.381 and4.372, which are different from the oprobit regression results; thereby, indicating the existence of endogeneity. Afterward, KHB mediating effect confirms that Internet use, gift reciprocity, and charity activity contribute 30.21% and 16.83% to mental- and physical health, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Firstly, the NMH and NPH demonstrate a positive influence on the mental- and physical health of the elder population. However, there exist heterogeneous differences. Secondly, the conditional mixed process deals with the endogeneity of NMH and NPH. Thirdly, social integration, social interaction, and social engagement serve as significant transmission mechanisms for the influences of NMH and NPH on the health of elderly persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Dongping
- College of Public Administration and Law, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Gong Rengui
- School of Public Management and Law, Anhui University of Technology, Ma'anshan, China
| | - Hu Yangming
- School of Public Administration, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.
| | - Hu Zan
- Hengyang Medical School, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Xiang Hua
- Hengyang Medical School, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Changsha County, Changsha, China
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