The Effect of Internet Use on the Health Status of Empty-Nest Older Adults:An Age-Period-Cohort Analysis
With the development of the ageing process and the advancement of new-type urbaniza-tion,the size of empty-nest older adults gradually increases.The expansion of the Internet has enabled more older adults to access the Internet.Based on the data from the China General Social Survey(CGSS)from 2010 to 2018,this study estimates the age-period-cohort effects and the impacts of Internet use on the health status of empty-nest older adults.The results show that there are period and cohort effects,but not age effects,on the changes in the mental health of empty-nest older adults.However,there are age and period effects,but not cohort effects,on the changes in physical health.Internet use has a significant positive impact on the physical and mental health of empty-nest older adults,mainly through social and learning pathways.The impact of Internet use on the health of empty-nest older adults is greater for those aged 75 and above,as well as for rural empty-nest older adults.Compared to non-empty-nest older adults,there is a greater impact of Internet use on the health of empty-nest older adults.We propose promoting Internet use among the empty-nest older adults and building an age-friendly digital society.
Internet UseEmpty-NestersHealthAge-Period-Cohort Model