Older adults who go online once a week or once a month are less likely to be socially isolated in comparison to those who are daily internet users, according to a study published in the journal Ageing and Society.
The researchers examined data from 4,492 adults in England, with an average age of 64.
Overall, 19 per cent reported high levels of loneliness, and 33 per cent were classified as socially isolated.
Led by academics from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), the study found that older adults who are daily internet users are more likely to be socially isolated in comparison to those who went online occasionally.
Social isolation is an objective measure of a person’s social relationships, including the size and diversity of their social network, and the frequency of contact.
The research, which took place before COVID-19 social distancing measures were introduced, found no link between internet use and loneliness.
Searching for information, sending emails, and shopping were the three most common online activities, and over two-thirds of those in the study (69 per cent ) reported using the internet every day.
Those going online daily were more likely to use a smartphone, while laptops were preferred by less frequent users. (ANI)
