The impact of Internet use on older adults’ attitudes toward positive aging: evidence from China

Objective: The concurrent trends of population aging and digitalization underscore the growing relevance of the Internet to older adults' lifestyles and health. This paper explores the influence of Internet use on positive aging attitudes and its underlying mechanisms, with a specific analysis of the effects of different online functions. The findings are intended to inform efforts toward the digital empowerment of the older adults. Methods: Based on the 2018 survey data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS), a linear regression model is adopted for empirical analysis. Instrumental variable method and the Propensity-Score-Matching method is used in this study to conduct a robustness test on the impact results of Internet use. The Process3.0 plugin of SPSS was used to verify the mediating effects of life satisfaction and health comparison with peers on the relationship between Internet use and the age identity of older people. Results: It was found that Internet use has a significant positive impact on the rejuvenation of age identity in older adults. This relationship is partially mediated by both life satisfaction and health comparisons with peers, with the latter exhibiting a stronger mediating effect. In terms of online functions, those related to life services and social interaction exerted a significantly greater influence than entertainment and information functions. Conclusion: Based on the empowerment theory, it is recommended that policies first focus on improving Internet accessibility for older adults. Subsequently, smart older care services should be tailored to their needs, while initiatives encouraging intergenerational digital feedback and offline interaction should be strengthened.