title: Activating and Guiding the Engagement of Seniors With Online Social Networking: Experimental Findings From the AGES 2.0 Project.
abstract: Guided by theoretical and empirical work attesting to the health benefits of social connections, we tested whether Internet connectivity, and training in its use for social purposes, can support the well-being of older adults receiving care.
  
  
  
  Participants ( N = 76) were randomly assigned to receive 3 months training versus care-as-usual. Cognitive and mental health were assessed before and after the intervention.
  
  
  
  Results show significant cognitive improvements across time in the training, but not control, group. This effect was mediated through a combination of increased social activity, improved self-competence, and maintained personal identity strength. Indirect effects on mental health outcomes via these processes were also observed.
  
  
  
  These findings suggest that Internet access and training can support the self and social connectedness of vulnerable older adults and contribute positively to well-being.
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Exeter, UK.
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Morton
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Exeter, UK.
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: 2 University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Haslam
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Exeter, UK.
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Birney
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Exeter, UK.
authors.forename: Rosemary
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kingston
authors.affiliation: 1 University of Exeter, UK.
authors.forename: Lauren-Grace
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: McCloskey
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D003071:Cognition; D003200:Computer User Training / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D000077253:Online Social Networking; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012649:Self Concept
keywords: Internet; cognitive capacity; computers; social connections; well-being