A study on the relationship between internet use and cognitive functioning of older adults under the perspective of smart aging

TL;DR

This study explores how internet use affects cognitive function in older Chinese adults, finding that it can help improve cognitive health and support healthy aging.

Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence on the positive impact of internet use on cognitive function in older adults in China.

Findings

Internet use is a protective factor for cognitive function in older adults.

Age, rural residence, IADL disability, and depression are risk factors for cognitive decline.

Healthy lifestyles and social participation also positively influence cognitive function.

Abstract

To understand the current status of Internet use among older adults in China and the impact of Internet use on the cognitive function status of older adults.

Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2020, older adults aged ≥60 years and above were selected. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the factors affecting Internet use on cognitive function of older adults, propensity matching score (PSM) kernel matching method was used to test the effect of Internet use on cognitive function of older adults, and two methods, proximity matching and radius matching, were used to validate the robustness of the study results.

A total of 5,987 older adults were selected in this study, with cognitive function scores clustered from 9.50 to 14.50. The results of multiple linear regression showed that Internet, age, literacy, home address, self-rated health, life satisfaction, IADL, depression, alcohol consumption, and social participation had an impact on cognitive function of older adults (p < 0.05). Among them, Internet use, high literacy, alcohol consumption, and social participation were protective factors for cognitive function in older adults. Age, living in rural areas, IADL disability, and depression are risk factors for cognitive function in older adults.

Cognitive function in older adults is influenced by individual characteristics, health status, and healthy lifestyles. The use of the Internet is conducive to enhancing cognitive function, promoting physical and mental health, and further realizing healthy aging in older adults.

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