Does Internet use improve the physical and mental health of older adults in China? A study based on the digital divide theory.

In the digital era, increasingly more Chinese older adults have become Internet users, but the digital divide deeply affects their health. Based on the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, the influence of Internet use on older adults' physical and mental health are examined. It is found that digital access, online socializing and information/knowledge acquisition improve older adults' physical and mental health, while Internet skills can hardly influence their health. Social connection and adaptation are two important channels through which Internet use improves older adults' health. Younger and better-educated older adults gain more health benefits from Internet access, but online socializing and economic activities show stronger positive health effects in less-educated older adults. Narrowing the digital divide and promoting digital cohesion are important for the health of older population, so the health and pensions sector and geriatric nursing providers should help this group integrate into digital life to improve their health.