Internet access and older adults' health: Evidence from China

Xiangyuan Ding, Luoqi Yuan and Yi Zhou

China Economic Review, 2023, vol. 82, issue C

Abstract: In the context of China's rapid population aging and internet expansion, this study examines the impact of information and communication technologies on the of older adults’ health. Using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011–2018, we find that internet access improves older adults' self-reported health, mental health, and activities of daily living (ADL). Further investigations provide evidence for several underlying mechanisms, including improving social participation, promoting healthy behaviors, and encouraging intergenerational interactions. Heterogeneity analyses show that disadvantaged groups, such as those with any ADL difficulty and without social participation or a spouse, benefit more from internet access.

Keywords: Population aging; Internet access; Older adults' health; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I12 I18 J14 L86 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:chieco:v:82:y:2023:i:c:s1043951x23001323

DOI: 10.1016/j.chieco.2023.102047

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