Internet use for adults 50 or older can improve mental wellbeing – study finds

Adults over the age of 50 who use the internet, may have fewer symptoms of depression and higher levels of life satisfaction, a new study has found.

The study which was published on Monday in Nature Human Behaviour,— looked at 87,559 individuals in 23 countries, including the US, UK and China who were 50 years or older, over the past six years.

According to the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study in 2019, approximately 14 per cent of people globally aged 55 years and older experienced mental health conditions, such as depression.

The study has suggested that previous research has found internet use can be associated with people’s mental health deteriorating, especially amongst younger people.

However, this new study has found that the internet is also a source of health information and social connection, which can be important for the wellbeing of middle-aged and older adults.

The study has suggested that there has not been a definitive link between the wellbeing of those 50 years and older and their internet use, until now.

It found that internet use, which was narrowed down to sending or receiving emails, making purchases, travel reservations and searching for information — was associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, fewer symptoms of depression and better self-reported health, in the age demographic of 50 or above.

In the US, England, and China, participants who used the internet had fewer depressive symptoms than those who did not use the internet. However, the frequency of internet use could not be reliably linked to the risk of poorer mental health across countries.

It also found that internet use for people aged 50 years and older could allow them to socially interact with others online to reduce loneliness, which is a major public health issue for the age demographic.

The study found that as well as being able to interact online with others, it also gave them access to information and services, which in turn could provide emotional support and medical advice.

Over 50s often not hit with social pressures

When asked why using the internet can be a positive thing for people for those in the age bracket of 50 or above, Curtin University’s Associate Professor Patrick Clarke, who has researched the connection between mental health and internet use, says it is because they are less likely to be influenced by the potential negativity that can happen online.

“Over 50s are often past the stage of life where self-comparison or social pressures that are common issues among younger users are most intense. 

“They may engage with social media or other online spaces in a more focused and less self-conscious way. For example, instead of seeking validation, they may be more likely to use the internet to connect with friends, stay updated on family, learn new skills or connect with communities that share interests and hobbies,” Dr Clarke told ABC News.

When asked why researchers have mainly focused on the negative impacts of internet use, he said it was because with influential technologies, there can be doubts around how they are used.

“There are some very legitimate concerns, particularly for younger people including: online harassment and bullying, social comparisons, body image concerns.

“I think these tend to overshadow many of the positive experiences that online engagement can involve such as connection to communities that might not otherwise be accessible or visible and many creative tools and uses,” he said.

Study finds digital literacy is crucial

In the study, it discussed how the internet has become increasingly important because of older generations using it, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Some of these findings point to the fact that digital literacy is quite crucial. Improving exposure and knowledge of navigating technology can help increase the internet’s benefits while reducing risks, such as exposure to misinformation,” Dr Clarke said.

He added that the study found those over 50 and happier in general, also have more online activity, rather than internet use being directly linked to people’s overall happiness.

The authors of the study also acknowledged that more research is needed to determine whether there is a causal link between internet use and wellbeing in these adults, and to investigate the role of demographic factors such as age, sex and frequency of internet use.