Internet Use and Self-Rated Health Among Older Adults: Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Digital Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Self-rated health (SRH) is a key indicator of health outcomes in older adults.
• Internet use is increasingly prevalent among seniors, necessitating an understanding of its health associations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map and characterize international evidence on internet use and SRH in older adults.
• To synthesize mediators, moderators, and identify research gaps in this field.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review guided by Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR standards.
• Searched five databases (PubMed, CINAHL, AgeLine, PsycINFO, Web of Science) with supplementary Google Scholar searches.

Main Results:

• 27 quantitative studies were included, predominantly cross-sectional and from high-income countries.
• A positive association between internet use and better SRH was found in most studies (24/27), particularly for social uses.
• Social mechanisms like increased social support and engagement were identified as mediators.

Conclusions:

• Socially oriented internet use is consistently associated with better SRH in older adults.
• Policy should support digital inclusion but maintain non-digital alternatives.
• Further research is needed, especially longitudinal studies from diverse economic contexts.