Does Internet usage make middle-aged and older adults feel healthier? Mediating role of social engagement

Abstract

PurposeThis study explores whether and how Internet usage improves the subjective health of middle-aged and older adults by analyzing the mediating role of social engagement and heterogeneity of different living arrangements.Design/methodology/approachBased on data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, the ordinary least squares (OLS) method is adopted to explore the relationship between Internet usage and the subjective health of middle-aged and older adults. Propensity score matching method (PSM) is used to alleviate self-selection bias in the samples. The bootstrap method is adopted to test the mediating role of social engagement, and generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) is employed to resolve endogeneity. A permutation test is adopted to examine the heterogeneous effects of Internet usage on different living arrangements.FindingsInternet access can help relieve depression among middle-aged and older adults and enhance their self-rated health, leading to perceived changes in health status. However, Internet usage is not directly associated with health satisfaction among middle-aged and older adults. Nevertheless, Internet usage can enhance middle-aged and older adults' subjective health by facilitating social engagement and significantly influences middle-aged and older adults living with their children.Originality/valueThis study reveals the underlying role of Internet usage among older adults and provides insights for governments and families to help middle-aged and older adults actively adapt to a digital society and improve their health.

Internet Use and Mental Health among Older Adults in China: Beneficial for Those Who Lack of Intergenerational Emotional Support or Suffering from Chronic Diseases?

“…Internet enables older adults to overcome spatial barriers, strengthen their ties with their children and friends, and expand their knowledge and experiences [51]. This can help reduce feelings of loneliness and improve their mental health [32]. Therefore, older adults who lack intergenerational emotional support benefit more from Internet use.…”

“…Since the Internet provides a platform for older adults to overcome loneliness and stay connected with their friends and children, it helps bridge the communication gap. Older adults who lack child faceto-face interactions benefit more from using it [31,32]. Furthermore, through the Internet, they can overcome time and space obstacles and access large volumes of information without leaving their homes [11,33].…”