Internet Use and Its Impact on Older Adults' Cognitive and Social Skills
Author Information
Author(s): Toh Wei Xing, Ho Chin Wei, Khoo Shuna Shi Ann
Primary Institution: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Hypothesis
How does the frequency of Internet use relate to cognitive and social functioning among older adults?
Conclusion
Older adults who use the Internet more frequently tend to have better cognitive and social functioning.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults with higher Internet use frequency reported greater cognitive and social functioning.
- Greater-than-average cognitive functioning predicted higher Internet use frequency.
- Internet use frequency was bidirectionally associated with social functioning.
Takeaway
Using the Internet can help older people think better and connect with others more easily.
Methodology
The study used random-intercept cross-lagged panel modeling based on four waves of data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging.
Limitations
Past studies had methodological limitations, including reliance on cross-sectional data and failure to separate between-person differences from within-person dynamics.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 66.01 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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