Internet Use and Cognitive Functioning in Late Adulthood: Longitudinal Findings from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE)

Stefan T Kamin, Frieder R Lang and Shevaun Neupert

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 2020, vol. 75, issue 3, 534-539

Abstract: ObjectivesResearch suggests that cognitive functioning is associated with technology use in late life, but longitudinal research in this domain is still sparse. This study explored the reciprocal association between Internet use and cognitive functioning over a 2-year period.MethodWe analyzed representative data across 14 countries from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). The sample included 29,576 participants between 50 and 100 years of age. We used data from 2013 (Wave 5) and a 2-year follow-up in 2015 (Wave 6). Participants provided information on cognitive functioning measures and Internet use at both time points.ResultsCross-lagged panel analysis indicated reciprocal effects between cognitive functioning and Internet use. Internet use had a greater impact on cognitive functioning than vice versa.DiscussionThis study sheds light on the direction of the association between cognitive functioning and Internet use. Findings indicate that using the Internet positively affects cognitive functioning in late life.

Keywords: Cognition; Intellectual functioning; Plasticity; Technology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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The Journals of Gerontology: Series B is currently edited by Psychological Sciences - S. Duke Han, PhD and Social Sciences - Jessica A Kelley, PhD, FGSA

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