Information and Communication Technology Use for Life Satisfaction among the Elderly: A Motivation Perspective

Objectives: Information and communication technology (ICT) has emerged as an appealing approach to address the changing life satisfaction of the aging population. This study explores the influence of perceived benefit and social support on the life satisfaction of elderly individuals via the mediation of their ICT use, from a motivation perspective. Additionally, we explore the moderating effect of health consciousness on the relationship between perceived benefit, social support and ICT use for the elderly. Methods: Using 237 valid samples from elderly individuals in China, we conducted a survey to evaluate their ICT use, perceived benefit, social support and life satisfaction. Results: Perceived benefit and social support both can influence life satisfaction of elderly individuals, and the effects of these factors are mediated by elderly ICT use. Furthermore, health consciousness can moderate the relationship among perceived benefit, social support and ICT use for the elderly. Conclusions: Both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations can influence ICT use by elderly individuals as well as their life satisfaction. ICT use plays an important role in life satisfaction for elderly people, and their individual health consciousness is a crucial factor.