INTERNET USE AMONG BRAZILIANS ADULTS IN LATE LIFE: DETERMINANTS OF USE AND IMPACTS ON COGNITIVE HEALTH
2024

Internet Use and Cognitive Health in Older Brazilian Adults

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Chen Xiayu, Farina Mateo, Andrade Flávia, Wang Kun

Primary Institution: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Hypothesis

This study evaluates the association between Internet use and cognitive health among Brazilian older adults.

Conclusion

Internet use is positively associated with cognitive functioning and memory in older adults in Brazil.

Supporting Evidence

  • About 17% of older adults in the sample were Internet users.
  • 69% of Internet users accessed the Internet daily.
  • Internet use was positively associated with general cognitive functioning.
  • Internet use was positively associated with memory.
  • No significant association was found between Internet use and verbal fluency.

Takeaway

Using the Internet can help older people think better and remember things more easily.

Methodology

Multivariate linear regressions and Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition were used to analyze the data.

Limitations

The study may not fully represent all older adults in Brazil due to the sample size and demographic factors.

Participant Demographics

Older adults in Brazil, with a focus on socioeconomically and health-disadvantaged groups.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI 0.07-0.20 for cognitive functioning; 95% CI 0.10-0.28 for memory.

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1156

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