Older adults who do not have access to the Internet are significantly more at risk of developing symptoms of depression, especially those who have family support or low income levels. Health Data Science. Conducted by an international team of researchers, the study analyzed the data of five older co -operative co -studdes covers 24 countries, which revealed a strong link between digital emissions and mental health.
Dr. Yanzi from Packing University, led by researchers, investigated how to explain digital exclusion due to lack of Internet access affects the mental health of older adults. Using Health and Retirement Studies (HRS) data, the English -based Studies of Aging (ELSA), Health, Old and Retirement Survey (Share) in Europe, China Health and Retirement Longs Studies (Charles), MHS, 2018 to 2018, 2018, 2018.
Their search shows that digital discharge in aging adults is widespread, with Denmark in China, from 21.1 percent to 96.9 percent. More importantly, digitally deleted older adults showed significant more likely to face symptoms of depression in all study partners. The association remained strong even after adjusting settlement and socio -economic factors such as age, gender, retirement status, education, domestic wealth, social activities and regular communication with children.
The effects of digital exclusion were found to be the most clear of two weak groups: people who suffer from their children and low -wealth quantals. In participants, who did not maintain regular weekly contact with their children, the negative effect of digital discharge on mental health was particularly strong. Similarly, older adults were infected in the lowest wealthy quantals, Charles Coort, the most important association in China, was observed.
Our study highlights adults who have a lack of digital access to the public health concerns, especially if they face social isolation or financial difficulties. It should be a priority to prioritize digital distribution to improve mental fitness among aging populations. “
Dr. Jinging Wang, Co -Author
This study indicates the importance of digital inclusion as a means of enhancing mental health and quality of life for older adults. The authors support policies that promote internet access and digital literacy among seniors, especially in low and middle -income countries, where digital emissions are the most wide.
Dr. Yanzi Jin added, “Ensuring equal access to digital technologies is not only a technical problem but also an important component of social well -being and mental health for the elderly.” “Future intervention should focus on digital tools more accessible, cheap and user -friendly of the old population.”
Since the digitalization is continuing to create social interactions and access to resources, the study calls for coordinated efforts by governments, community organizations and families to integrate older adults into the digital world. Researchers emphasized that solving digital emissions is not only a matter of convenience but also an important step towards improving mental health results for the elderly around the world.
Source:
Journal Reference:
Wang, Jay, Et al.. (2024) Digital Exterior and Depressed Symptoms among the elderly: results from five elderly coating studies in 24 countries. Health Data Science. Doi.org/10.34133/hds.0218.
