Internet Use Boosts Mental Health in Older Adults

The evidence keeps piling up how bad the internet – and social media – can be for kids, adolescents, and even grown folks.

Just consider: 

• Negative online content drives a feedback loop that drags down our mood and haunts our mental health.
• Unregulated digital detox programs might do more harm than good.
• And a pair of UK studies suggest that problematic smartphone use among teens could be driving more cases of anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

So it might come as something of a surprise to see that internet use can help adults over 50.

A group of researchers working out of the the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy at the University of Hong Kong’s LKS Faculty of Medicine (HKUMed) has uncovered a robust connection between internet use and improved mental health in older adults from nearly two dozen countries.

The data, appearing in Nature Human Behaviour, shows how online engagement minimizes depressive symptoms, boosts life satisfaction, and enhances self-reported health among older populations.

Global Mental Health Challenges Among Older Adults

Mental health issues remain a mounting public health concern for middle-aged and older adults worldwide. The “Global Burden of Disease Study 2019” reported that roughly 14 percent of individuals aged 55 and above suffer from mental disorders. That contributes to 2.7 percent of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in this age group.

An aging global population – among other challenges – drive the urgent need to dig deeper into the social determinants of mental health.

While earlier studies have acknowledged the potential benefits of internet use, this new paper is among the first to offer a comprehensive, cross-country analysis of its influence on mental health later in life.

Methodology and Findings

The research team culled data from six longitudinal studies, which included more than 87,000 adults in 23 high- and middle-income countries, including the China, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The findings revealed a strong connection between internet use and better mental health outcomes. In fact, frequent internet users reported fewer depressive symptoms, higher life satisfaction, and better health overall.

But how much those users benefitted varied across demographic groups. Genetic, sociodemographic, and behavioral factors also played a part. The study’s authors also stressed the necessity of tailoring approaches to make the most of the mental health benefits.

The research also highlights the importance of leveraging internet connectivity as a tool for boosting the mental health of older populations.

Public Health Implications

Hong Kong University associate professor Professor Zhang Qingpeng, who led the study, added that online activities such as shopping, e-learning, social networking, and access to digital health resources all play crucial roles in maintaining mental well-being among older adults.

“For people in later life, who often face mobility and activity restrictions, internet use offers a valuable opportunity to access health-related information, maintain social connections, and engage in entertainment,” Zhang said. “These activities help alleviate loneliness, enhance social ties, and improve overall quality of life.”

The study also underscores the potential of internet-based solutions in middle-income countries such as China, where access to professional mental health services can be a struggle. The researchers urged caregivers to pursue tailored interventions that address the unique genetic, social, and behavioral needs of older adults, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.

As the global population continues to age, the study results offer a roadmap for policymakers and healthcare professionals to integrate internet-based tools into mental health strategies.

By promoting digital literacy and accessibility, these efforts could dramatically boost the quality of life for millions.

Further Reading

Internet Addiction and Mental Disorders in Medical Students

Cyberbullying and Adolescent Mental Health

Internet Addiction and Suicidal Behaviors