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Beyond Isolation: Social Media as a Bridge to Well-Being in Old Age

Author

Listed:
  • Renato Mendonça Ribeiro

    (Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Av. dos Bandeirantes, 3900-Vila Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, SP, Brazil)

  • João Daniel de Souza Menezes

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, Av. Brg. Faria Lima, 5416-Vila Sao Pedro, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, SP, Brazil)

  • Daniele Alcalá Pompeo

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, Av. Brg. Faria Lima, 5416-Vila Sao Pedro, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, SP, Brazil)

  • Maria Angélica Andreotti Diniz

    (Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Av. dos Bandeirantes, 3900-Vila Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, SP, Brazil)

  • Gabriella Santos Lima

    (Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Av. dos Bandeirantes, 3900-Vila Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, SP, Brazil)

  • Patrícia Cruz Pontífice Sousa Valente Ribeiro

    (Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde e Enfermagem, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Palma de Cima, 1649-023 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Júlio César André

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, Av. Brg. Faria Lima, 5416-Vila Sao Pedro, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, SP, Brazil)

  • Rita de Cássia Helú Mendonça Ribeiro

    (Center for Studies and Development of Health Education—CEDES, São José do Rio Preto Medical School—FAMERP, Av. Brg. Faria Lima, 5416-Vila Sao Pedro, São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, SP, Brazil)

  • Rosalina Aparecida Partezani Rodrigues

    (Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Av. dos Bandeirantes, 3900-Vila Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, SP, Brazil)

  • Luciana Kusumota

    (Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Av. dos Bandeirantes, 3900-Vila Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto 14040-902, SP, Brazil)

Abstract

Population aging and the digital revolution have converged, creating challenges and opportunities for the social inclusion of older adults. This study examined social media usage patterns among Brazilian older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring their associations with sociodemographic factors, health, and well-being. Through an online survey with 441 participants aged 60 or older, we found that WhatsApp ® and Instagram ® were the most utilized platforms, with a significant increase in usage during the pandemic. Higher educational attainment and income were associated with more frequent and diverse social media use, while the presence of comorbidities positively correlated with seeking health information online. Notably, greater engagement in social media was associated with an improved perception of well-being. The results highlight the potential of social media as tools for digital inclusion, access to information, and promotion of well-being for older adults, especially in crisis contexts. However, they also reveal socioeconomic disparities in access to and use of these technologies. These findings have significant implications for public policies on digital inclusion and health promotion, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to reduce digital inequality among older adults and maximize the potential benefits of social media for active and connected aging.

Suggested Citation

  • Renato Mendonça Ribeiro & João Daniel de Souza Menezes & Daniele Alcalá Pompeo & Maria Angélica Andreotti Diniz & Gabriella Santos Lima & Patrícia Cruz Pontífice Sousa Valente Ribeiro & Júlio César An, 2025. "Beyond Isolation: Social Media as a Bridge to Well-Being in Old Age," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:6:p:882-:d:1669639
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alexander Seifert & Shelia R Cotten & Bo Xie & Deborah Carr, 2021. "A Double Burden of Exclusion? Digital and Social Exclusion of Older Adults in Times of COVID-19 [Attitudes towards and limitations to ICT use in assisted and independent living communities: Finding," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 76(3), pages 99-103.
    2. Tavonia Ekwegh & Sharon Cobb & Edward K. Adinkrah & Roberto Vargas & Lucy W. Kibe & Humberto Sanchez & Joe Waller & Hoorolnesa Ameli & Mohsen Bazargan, 2023. "Factors Associated with Telehealth Utilization among Older African Americans in South Los Angeles during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-15, February.
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