The relationship between social media and healthy eating among the elderly in the community: mediated by e-health literacy and moderated by aging attitude

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to explore the relationship between social media use and healthy eating behaviors of elderly people in the community, with particular attention to the mediating role of e-health literacy and the moderating role of aging attitudes. Methods Data were collected by conducting a cross-sectional survey of 558 older adults in five communities in different cities in China. The survey tools were modified Facebook single item Scale, Electronic Health Literacy Scale (eHEALS), Aging Attitude Scale (ATOA) and Healthy Eating Scale. In the data analysis, methods such as stepwise regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between social media use and healthy eating behaviors of the elderly, the mediating role of e-health literacy, and the moderating role of aging attitudes. Results The study found that social media use was positively associated with healthy eating behaviors in older adults. E-health literacy plays a significant mediating role between social media use and healthy eating behaviors in older adults. In addition, aging attitudes significantly moderated the relationship between social media use and healthy eating behaviors, and positive aging attitudes enhanced the positive effects of social media use on healthy eating behaviors. Conclusions Both social media use and e-health literacy are important for promoting the development of healthy eating in older adults. At the same time, promoting the elderly to have a positive attitude toward aging is also a key factor.