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Internet use and cognitive frailty in older adults: a large-scale multidimensional approach

Author

Listed:
  • Samantha Dequanter

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

  • Ellen Gorus

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel
    UZ Brussel)

  • Sven Laere

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

  • Nico Witte

    (Belgian Ageing Studies (BAS) Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
    University College Ghent)

  • Dominique Verté

    (Belgian Ageing Studies (BAS) Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

  • Iris Steenhout

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

  • Maaike Fobelets

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

  • Ronald Buyl

    (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

Abstract

Although research on sociodemographic correlates of internet use in older adults without and with pronounced cognitive impairment is already quite extensive, much less is known about the relationship between cognitive frailty (CF) and this behaviour. As CF is associated to multidimensional frailty aspects, this study explored the relationship between internet use and CF, operationalised as Subjective Cognitive Impairment, in older adults by means of a comprehensive explanatory model including sociodemographic factors and multiple frailty measures. The dataset included a sample of community-dwelling 60 + older adults that were included in the Belgian Ageing Studies (BAS) and that completed survey questions on (i) internet use frequency and (ii) internet activities. Multidimensional frailty was measured with the CFAI-Plus. The analysis comprised a structural equation modelling (SEM) procedure. Internet use was frequent; however, it became less frequent with higher CF. Moreover, the latter used less tablets as compared to the no-low CF group. Navigating the web, sharing email and online banking were the most frequently reported activities. Tele-communicating with Skype, online shopping and using e-government services were the least frequent. Age, female gender, lower income and living with a partner were also negatively associated with internet use. To conclude, CF, along with other frailty and sociodemographic factors, was negatively related to internet use in older adults. Future research should focus, amongst others, on the dynamic processes underlying internet use in the population of older adults affected by CF.

Suggested Citation

  • Samantha Dequanter & Ellen Gorus & Sven Laere & Nico Witte & Dominique Verté & Iris Steenhout & Maaike Fobelets & Ronald Buyl, 2022. "Internet use and cognitive frailty in older adults: a large-scale multidimensional approach," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 1135-1144, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:19:y:2022:i:4:d:10.1007_s10433-022-00686-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-022-00686-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Oliver Huxhold & Elena Hees & Noah J. Webster, 2020. "Towards bridging the grey digital divide: changes in internet access and its predictors from 2002 to 2014 in Germany," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 17(3), pages 271-280, September.
    2. Stefan T Kamin & Frieder R Lang & Shevaun Neupert, 2020. "Internet Use and Cognitive Functioning in Late Adulthood: Longitudinal Findings from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE)," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 75(3), pages 534-539.
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