Effects of Changes in Internet Information Service Use Rates on Life Satisfaction of Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Backgroud : It is helpful to identify factors, such as optimistic attitudes or feelings of control, that protect against the negative mental health burdens of a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has motivated some older people to adopt new technologies to simplify their chores and to provide a powerful defense against loneliness and social isolation. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of changes in Internet information service use rates on the life satisfaction of older adults after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods : This study analyzed data from the digital divide information survey by the National Information Society Agency (NIS) in 2020. The age criterion was set at 65 years or older, resulting in 1150 data points that were analyzed. A multivariate linear regression was conducted to investigate the associations of age, education level, employment, and income with changes in the seven categories of the Internet information service use rate. Resuts : Income (β = 0.146, p < 0.001) significantly affected life satisfaction of older adults. A high income was associated with high life satisfaction. Among changes in Internet information service use rate, increased SNS (β = 0.127, p < 0.001) and digital consumption (β = 0.074, p = 0.048) were significantly associated with greater life satisfaction. Conclusion : It is important to encourage older adults to use digital device to stay in touch with loved ones and friends and to take part in person-centered activity programs that are both safe and accessible. To this end, policymakers should offer public assistance to older adults to use Internet and mobile applications technologies.