Using the internet may result in less depression and better well-being in people over 50, according to a new study.
Researchers from the University of Hong Kong studied more than 87,500 people across 23 countries, including the UK.
They discovered people who used the internet to search for information, send and receive emails, and go shopping had fewer symptoms of depression, better levels of life satisfaction and better self-reported health.
In the US, England, and China, participants who used the internet had fewer depressive symptoms than those who did not use the internet.
The researchers say that’s because people are using the internet to research health problems themselves, meaning they were able to be more self-sufficient, and were also able to be more social because of online interactions.
The findings, which are published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, could have implications for how loneliness is treated.
Around a quarter of people aged 50 and over in the UK said they were “often or always lonely”, according to a government survey published last year, and 14% of people over 55 around the world experienced mental health conditions in 2019.
“By overcoming social and spatial barriers, internet use can facilitate connections with family and friends and expand social networks among middle-aged and older adults,” wrote the report’s authors.
“Promoting such social interaction can reduce their loneliness and social isolation as well as enhance their sense of belonging and self-esteem, which may contribute to better mental health.”
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While in power, the Conservatives launched a strategy to tackle loneliness in the UK.
That included plans to encourage internet providers to “offer social tariffs for those who cannot afford the full cost of broadband”.
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According to Ofcom, there are currently more than 30 of these tariffs available around the country.
In order to apply, the communications regulator advises people to “check if your current provider offers a social tariff”.
“If your provider doesn’t offer a social tariff, you can switch to one that does. Your provider might let you leave your current contract without paying a penalty fee.”
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