Effects of Internet Usage on Physical and Mental Health of Seniors in China ()
ABSTRACT
In an era where technology, especially the internet, plays a pivotal role
in daily life, its impact on different age groups has become a crucial area of
study. This research focuses on the aging population in China and aims to
explore how these of internet affects their physical and mental health. The
primary objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between
internet usage and the health outcomes of seniors in China. It seeks to understand
how the internet influences physical and psychological health among the
elderly. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative
analysis with qualitative insights. The
quantitative data is drawn from the China Health and Retirement
Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), focusing on variables like internet usage
frequency, types of devices used, and specific online activities. Complementing
this, qualitative interviews with older individuals offer personal perspectives
on internet use, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The quantitative
analysis reveals a significant association between internet usage and reduced
physical pain and loneliness in seniors. Specific factors, such as how often
the internet is used, the devices employed, and the nature of online
activities, show varied impacts on these health outcomes. Qualitative findings
underscore the diverse experiences of seniors with the internet, highlighting
its role in mitigating loneliness and maintaining social connections during the
pandemic. This study underscores the potential benefits of internet access for
improving the physical and mental well-being of seniors in China. It points to
the internet as a valuable tool in addressing issues of loneliness and health
among the elderly. However, the research also identifies the need for broader
studies with more extensive and representative samples and the inclusion of
additional variables to fully unravel the causal links between internet usage
and health outcomes in aging populations.
Share and Cite:
Sophie Qiu, F. , Chen, Y. and Chao, Y. (2023) Effects of Internet Usage on Physical and Mental Health of Seniors in China.
Psychology,
14, 1842-1856. doi:
10.4236/psych.2023.1412109.
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