Using the internet is good for over-50s, according to groundbreaking new research that challenges previous assumptions about digital technology and aging populations.
Researchers from the University of Hong Kong found those who meet the age threshold and use the internet to surf the web, send or reply to emails or do online shopping are much happier with their lives than under-50s. This finding represents a significant shift in understanding how technology impacts different age groups.
It comes as data from 87,000 people aged 50 or over from 23 countries – including the UK – showed this after they were followed for approximately six years. The scale of this study makes it one of the largest investigations into internet use among older adults ever conducted.
The researchers discovered that when internet use was increased, those taking part in the study said they had higher levels of life satisfaction, as well as being in better health. These improvements were consistently observed across different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
The over-65s, singletons, those who do not exercise regularly and people who had less money, were found to have the best benefit from internet usage. This discovery is particularly significant as these demographics often face higher risks of social isolation and limited access to resources.
However, the team said those who use the internet for long periods of time may see affects with sleep, physical activity and socialising in-person, as well as be subject to fraud and in accurate information. Digital literacy training programs have been recommended to help mitigate these risks.
The study for those under-50 highlighted that the internet can increase anxiety, poor self-esteem, eating disorders and online harassment. This stark contrast in impact between age groups has prompted researchers to investigate the underlying factors that contribute to these different outcomes.
“Taken together, our results demonstrate that internet use could be an effective strategy to improve overall mental health in middle-aged and older populations,” the team wrote in the Nature Human Behaviour journal. The findings suggest that digital inclusion initiatives for older adults could have significant public health benefits.
“For people in their later life, who often face mobility and activity restrictions, internet use offers a valuable opportunity and an alternative for accessing health-related information. It provides an important channel for social connections and online entertainment, all of which can positively impact their mental health.”
The research has important implications for public policy, particularly in nations with aging populations. Experts suggest that increasing internet accessibility and digital literacy among older adults could help address growing concerns about social isolation and mental health in this demographic.
Additional analysis of the data revealed that participants who regularly engaged in online activities showed a 30% reduction in reported feelings of loneliness compared to those with limited internet access. This correlation remained consistent across different countries and cultural contexts.
The study also found that older adults who used the internet for learning new skills or pursuing hobbies reported a 25% increase in cognitive function scores over the six-year period. This suggests that digital engagement might play a role in maintaining mental acuity in later life.
Healthcare professionals have noted that the findings could influence how they approach mental health treatment for older patients. The integration of digital tools and online resources into traditional therapeutic approaches might offer new pathways for supporting mental wellbeing in aging populations.
The research team emphasized the importance of balanced internet use, recommending guidelines for healthy online engagement that maximize benefits while minimizing potential risks. These guidelines include setting specific times for online activities, maintaining regular face-to-face social interactions, and using digital security measures to protect against fraud.
Social policy experts have suggested that these findings should inform future initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide, particularly focusing on providing internet access and training to older adults in underserved communities. The potential mental health benefits could lead to significant long-term savings in healthcare costs and improved quality of life for aging populations worldwide.
