Older adults who lack internet access are at a significantly higher risk of developing depressive symptoms, especially those with limited familial support or lower income levels, according to a new study published in Health Data Science. Conducted by an international team of researchers, this study analyzed data from five major aging cohort studies covering 24 countries, revealing a strong link between digital exclusion and mental health.
The researchers, led by Dr. Yinzi Jin from Peking University, investigated how digital exclusion-defined as the lack of internet access-affects the mental health of older adults. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA), the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), and the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), they examined trends from 2010 to 2018 among 122,242 participants.
A new study reveals a strong connection between digital exclusion and deteriorating mental health among older adults. Researchers found that seniors without access to or comfort with digital technology are more likely to experience social isolation, depression, and anxiety. In an increasingly online world, where healthcare services, social interaction, and even basic communication often require digital literacy, those left behind face significant emotional and psychological challenges.
The study highlights how digital exclusion limits access not only to essential information but also to support networks and mental health resources. Older adults who struggle to connect through smartphones, computers, or the internet may feel disconnected from their families and communities, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and helplessness. The researchers emphasize the need for greater digital inclusion efforts, including training and affordable technology access, to support the mental health and overall well-being of older populations.
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