Psychosocial Links Between Internet Use and Mental Health in Later Life: A Systematic Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Evidence

• Published in: Journal of applied gerontology Vol. 36; no. 12; pp. 1471 - 1518
• Main Authors: Forsman, Anna K., Nordmyr, Johanna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.12.2017; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Aging; Communication; Internet; Mental health; Older people; Psychosocial factors; Social exclusion; Systematic review; Technology; older adults; Internet usage; psychosocial factors; systematic review; mental health
• ISSN: 0733-4648; 1552-4523
• DOI: 10.1177/0733464815595509

Research on the role of information and communication technology (ICT) use for active aging is limited. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the link between Internet use and mental health among older adults. The review was conducted based on searches in 9 electronic databases (2002-2014). A meta-synthesis approach was applied, examining quantitative (18) and qualitative (14) studies. The findings from the synthesis of quantitative statistical data indicate an overall positive association between Internet use and mental health and its psychosocial covariates in later life. The psychosocial links between Internet use and mental health identified from the qualitative data were (a) enhanced interpersonal interaction at individual level, (b) increased access to resources within the community, and (c) empowered social inclusion at society level. The results highlight the multi-level psychosocial links between Internet use and mental health, which may be applied in initiatives targeting healthy aging in various settings.