A new study suggests that internet use may improve mental health and well-being for people aged 50 and over. Researchers found that those who used the internet to search for information, send and receive emails, and shop online experienced fewer symptoms of depression and reported higher levels of life satisfaction and better overall health. The research, conducted by a team from the University of City University of Hong Kong, studied more than 87,500 people across 23 countries, including the UK.
In the US, participants who regularly used the internet exhibited fewer depressive symptoms compared to those who did not. The findings, published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, could have significant implications for addressing loneliness among older adults. Around a quarter of people aged 50 and over in the UK reported feeling “often or always lonely,” according to a government survey published last year.
Additionally, 14% of people over 55 worldwide experienced mental health conditions in 2019. Professor Qingpeng Zhang of City University of Hong Kong, who led the research, noted, “For older adults, the internet can be a lifeline to social connections, services, and information that may be harder to access otherwise.
The study showed a significant impact on mental health for the over-50s: regular internet use was associated with a 9% reduction in depressive symptom scores, a 7% increase in life satisfaction scores, and a 15% increase in self-reported health scores. Internet use encompassed sending and receiving emails, making purchases, searching for information, or making travel reservations.
Dr. Olivia Remes, a mental health researcher at Cambridge University, supported the findings, citing an “epidemic of loneliness” especially pronounced in older age groups.
Internet usage boosts mental well-being
“Using the internet to stay connected may provide a boost for wellbeing,” Remes said. However, she cautioned that the benefits depend on healthy internet usage and warned against excessive time online, which could lead to stress and anxiety. The UK government has recognized the role of internet access in combating loneliness.
A strategy launched by the Conservatives included measures to encourage internet providers to offer “social tariffs” for those who cannot afford the full cost of broadband. According to Ofcom, there are currently more than 30 social tariffs available across the country. This initiative could make a significant difference for older adults, providing them with the tools needed for better mental health and well-being.
Digital skills training has profoundly changed lives. Minaj, a beneficiary of such training, shared how learning to use the internet transformed her life, moving her from isolation to active employment and improved mental health. In conclusion, while the internet presents challenges, its benefits for older adults, in terms of mental and physical health, are becoming increasingly evident.
The study highlights how internet usage can help older adults overcome social and spatial barriers, facilitating connections with family and friends and expanding social networks. This kind of social interaction can mitigate loneliness and social isolation, enhancing their sense of belonging and self-esteem, which can contribute to better mental health.
