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Internet use and cognition among middle-aged and older adults in China: A cross-lagged panel analysis

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  • Yu, Dandan
  • Fiebig, Denzil G.

Abstract

The present study examines the reciprocal relationship between Internet use and cognitive function over time among middle-aged and older populations in China. We use data from the first three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), where participants provided information on Internet use and cognitive function measures at the baseline in 2011 as well as two follow-ups in 2013 and 2015. Cross-lagged panel models were fitted to test the reciprocal association over these four years. Middle-aged and older individuals with higher cognitive function were more likely to be regular Internet users. After controlling for the effects of cognition two years prior, Internet users tended to score higher on cognitive tests than non-users. These findings survived across alternative subsamples and model specifications. Our results suggest that cognitive decline in later life may explain the lower technology adoption rate among older individuals. Meanwhile, Internet use could serve as a protective factor against cognitive decline in mid-life and older adulthood.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu, Dandan & Fiebig, Denzil G., 2020. "Internet use and cognition among middle-aged and older adults in China: A cross-lagged panel analysis," The Journal of the Economics of Ageing, Elsevier, vol. 17(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joecag:v:17:y:2020:i:c:s2212828x2030027x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeoa.2020.100262
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Lei, Lei & Yu, Dandan & Zhou, Yang, 2023. "Better educated children, better Internet-connected elderly parents," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(4).
    5. Zhihao Jia & Yan Gao & Liangyu Zhao & Suyue Han, 2022. "Longitudinal Relationship between Cognitive Function and Health-Related Quality of Life among Middle-Aged and Older Patients with Diabetes in China: Digital Usage Behavior Differences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-13, September.
    6. Chengmin Zhou & Fangfang Yuan & Ting Huang & Yurong Zhang & Jake Kaner, 2022. "The Impact of Interface Design Element Features on Task Performance in Older Adults: Evidence from Eye-Tracking and EEG Signals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-24, July.
    7. Houxi Zhou & Xuebiao Zhang & Candi Ge & Jingyi Wang & Xiaolong Sun, 2023. "Does Internet Use Boost the Sustainable Subjective Well-Being of Rural Residents? Evidence from Rural China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-16, January.

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