Psychology

Volume 14, Issue 12 (December 2023)

ISSN Print: 2152-7180   ISSN Online: 2152-7199

Google-based Impact Factor: 1.81  Citations  

Effects of Internet Usage on Physical and Mental Health of Seniors in China

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DOI: 10.4236/psych.2023.1412109    62 Downloads   302 Views  

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.

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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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