Internet use and well-being in older adults.
The Internet has become an important social context in the lives of older adults. Extant research has focused on the use of the Internet and how it influences well-being. However, conflicting findings exist. The purpose of the study was to develop an integrative research model in order to determine the nature of the relationships among Internet use, loneliness, social support, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being. Specifically, loneliness and social support were tested as potential mediators that may modify the relationship between Internet use and indicators of well-being. Data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were used, and the association among Internet use, social support, loneliness, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being was explored. The sample consisted of 5,203 older adults (aged 65 years and older). The results indicated that higher levels of Internet use were significant predictors of higher levels of social support, reduced loneliness, and better life satisfaction and psychological well-being among older adults.
1 Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences, Texas A&M University , College Station, Texas.
Jinmoo
J
Heo
Sanghee
S
Chun
Sunwoo
S
Lee
Kyung Hee
KH
Lee
Junhyoung
J
Kim
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012179:Retirement; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014600:Utilization Review