Cai Tianxin, Ma Shilong, Zhong Renyao
School of Public Management, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
School of Public Administration and Emergency Management, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
Digit Health. 2025 Jan 30;11:20552076251317355. doi: 10.1177/20552076251317355. eCollection 2025 Jan-Dec.
This study aims to investigate whether social networks and physical exercise mediate the relationship between new and constant use of intelligent virtual assistants (IVAs) and cognitive function in older adults in China and explore the potential differences across living arrangements and education levels.
This study utilized nationally representative longitudinal data from 2018 to 2020, including a sample of 8343 older adults aged 60-80. A path-analytic model was employed to examine the relationship between IVAs use and cognitive function, as well as the mediating roles of social networks and physical exercise.
Constant and new IVAs use significantly affected cognitive function, mediated by social networks and physical exercise. For older adults living alone, both types of IVAs use had positive direct and indirect effects. Those living with children benefited mainly from new IVAs use, with indirect effects through physical exercise. Among less educated older adults, only new IVAs use showed significant effects through social networks. For those with higher education, both constant and new IVAs use positively impacted cognitive function directly and indirectly.
The use of IVAs can significantly improve cognitive function in older adults, with social networks and physical exercise being important mediating pathways. Policy suggestions were provided based on these results.
本研究旨在调查社交网络和体育锻炼是否介导了中国老年人新使用和持续使用智能虚拟助手（IVA）与认知功能之间的关系，并探讨不同生活安排和教育水平之间的潜在差异。
本研究利用了2018年至2020年具有全国代表性的纵向数据，样本包括8343名60 - 80岁的老年人。采用路径分析模型来检验IVA使用与认知功能之间的关系，以及社交网络和体育锻炼的中介作用。
持续使用和新使用IVA均显著影响认知功能，社交网络和体育锻炼起到中介作用。对于独居的老年人，两种类型的IVA使用都有积极的直接和间接影响。与子女同住的老年人主要从新使用IVA中受益，通过体育锻炼产生间接影响。在受教育程度较低的老年人中，只有新使用IVA通过社交网络显示出显著影响。对于受过高等教育的人，持续使用和新使用IVA都对认知功能有直接和间接的积极影响。
使用IVA可以显著改善老年人的认知功能，社交网络和体育锻炼是重要的中介途径。基于这些结果提出了政策建议。
