Older adults without internet access may face a greater risk of depression, especially if they lack family support or have lower incomes. A recent study from Health Data Science examined this issue using data from five major studies across 24 countries. The research highlights a concerning connection between being offline and mental health challenges among seniors.
Dr. Yinzi Jin from Peking University led the study, analyzing information from over 122,000 participants between 2010 and 2018. The cohort studies included the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) in the U.S., the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA) in the UK, and others from Europe and Asia.
The findings revealed that many older adults are digitally excluded, with rates as low as 21.1% in Denmark and as high as 96.9% in China. Those without internet access had notably higher rates of depressive symptoms across all studies, even when accounting for factors like age, gender, and economic situation.
Two groups are particularly vulnerable: those who don’t regularly contact their children and those with lower incomes. For instance, seniors who rarely see their children showed a marked increase in mental health struggles linked to digital exclusion. This issue was especially pronounced among poorer participants in the Chinese cohort.
Dr. Jingjing Wang, a co-author of the study, emphasized the urgency. “Older adults who lack digital access face heightened risks of depression, especially if they’re also socially isolated or financially strained.”
The researchers stress that digital inclusion can significantly boost mental health and overall quality of life for older adults. They advocate for policies that improve internet access and digital skills for seniors, particularly in poorer regions where these challenges are most severe. Recent statistics show that nearly 30% of older adults in low-income countries remain offline, indicating there’s much work to be done.
“This isn’t just a tech issue; it’s a vital part of ensuring the well-being of older people,” Dr. Jin added. “Future initiatives must make technology simpler and more accessible for our aging population.”
As society continues to move online, the study underscores the need for coordinated efforts from governments, community groups, and families to help seniors join the digital age. By tackling digital exclusion, we can take essential steps toward improving mental health and enriching the lives of older adults worldwide.
For more details, you can read the full study here: Digital exclusion and depressive symptoms among older people.
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Source linkDepression, Aging, Children, Mental Health, Public Health
