Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Internet Use Boosts Cognition, Reduces Depression in Seniors

10/8/2025

35 4

Summary

Story summary

Digitally included older adults show better cognition and fewer depressive symptoms than digitally excluded peers.
From the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), the sample includes 9,436 participants.
Digital exclusion correlates with severe depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment.
Internet use helps maintain social connections for older adults.
The design cannot establish causation between Internet use and cognitive health.

1 of 1

Story summary

Digitally included older adults show better cognition and fewer depressive symptoms than digitally excluded peers.
From the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), the sample includes 9,436 participants.
Digital exclusion correlates with severe depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment.
Internet use helps maintain social connections for older adults.
The design cannot establish causation between Internet use and cognitive health.