Internet access can improve the well-being of adults over 50

Internet use may be associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, better self-reported health and fewer symptoms of depression among adults over 50 in 23 countries published in Nature Human behavior. The findings have potential implications for public health policy and practice, especially in countries with aging populations and limited mental health services.

In 2019, approximately 14% of people aged 55 and older worldwide suffered from mental health problems, such as depression. Previous research has suggested that internet use is associated with poorer mental health, especially among younger demographics.

However, the Internet is also a source of health information and social connections, which are important for the well-being of middle-aged and older adults. So far, we know relatively little about the connection between internet use and the well-being of this target group worldwide.

Qingpeng Zhang and colleagues analyzed data from 87,559 individuals aged 50 years and older in 23 countries (including the US, UK, China, Mexico and Brazil) with a median follow-up of six years. They found that Internet use – defined as sending or receiving emails, making purchases and booking trips and searching for information – was associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, fewer symptoms of depression and better self-reported health.

In the US, England and China, participants who used the Internet had fewer depressive symptoms than those who did not use the Internet. However, the frequency of internet use could not be reliably associated with the risk of poorer mental health across countries.

The authors argue that Internet use for individuals aged 50 and older could promote social interaction and reduce loneliness, which is a major public health problem for this target group, and provide these individuals with access to information and services, which in turn could provide emotional support and medical advice.

However, they acknowledge that more research is needed to determine whether there is a causal link between Internet use and the well-being of these adults, and to investigate the role of demographic factors such as age, gender and frequency of Internet use.