The association between Internet use and successful aging among Chinese older adults: a propensity score matching study

BACKGROUND: With the accelerated aging of the world’s population and the rapid development of the Internet, the relationship between technological development and the health of older adults population has gradually received academic attention, and studies have shown that Internet use has a significant impact on the health status of older adults. This study aims to provide a theoretical basis and reference for exploring technological advances to promote the development of a healthy population in China and facilitate successful aging. METHODS: Data are from the latest 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) survey, which includes 4,214 residents aged 60 years and older, to empirically analyze the impact of Internet use on successful aging among older adults. Internet use was assessed through a self-report questionnaire, and the definition of successful aging followed Rowe and Kahn’s multidimensional model. We used binary logistic regression, propensity score matching (PSM) to address potential selection bias, and probit models to examine the relationship between Internet use and successful aging among older adults, and conducted heterogeneity analyses to test the robustness of the results. RESULTS: The rate of successful aging among older persons aged 60 and over in China is 14.14%. A significant positive association was found between Internet use and successful aging in older adults, and this association was stronger among males. Regarding age, Internet use significantly positively affects successful aging in the 60 ~ 74 age group. CONCLUSIONS: There was a positive relationship between Internet use and successful aging among older adults, with significant heterogeneity between Internet use and successful aging across gender and age.