Intergenerational family online community and older adults' overall well-being

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the potential contribution of a membership in an online family community to older adults' overall well-being.Design/methodology/approachA total of 427 respondents over the age of 64 participated in the study (M = 74.55, SD = 7.13), answering a survey. To test the contributing of belonging to family online communities (WhatsApp), three hierarchical regression analyses were conducted, with well-being, self-perceptions of aging and loneliness as outcome variables.FindingsFindings show that belonging to an intergenerational family online community was associated with higher levels of well-being, less loneliness and better self-perceptions of aging, even once demographic characteristics and using social media were controlled for.Social implicationsThis study demonstrates the important role that the family online community membership plays in older adults' lives. This has significant implications that may contribute to intergenerational emotional solidarity.Originality/valueThe authors suggest that technology is not per se, but the intergenerational opportunities that technology facilitates that make a difference.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-06-2021-0332