Older Adults Who Use the Internet Daily 'More Likely to Be Socially Isolated'

A study from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) published in Ageing and Society suggests that older adults who go online every day are more likely to be socially isolated than those who do so less often, reports iNews . The researchers analyzed data from 4,492 adults in Britain, average age 64, and found that those who went online either once a week or month were less likely to be socially isolated than daily users. Sixty-nine percent of daily Internet users most frequently searched for information, sent e-mails, and shopped online, and were more likely to use a smartphone. Those logging on less frequently were more likely to use laptops, while daily Internet users also reported similar levels of social isolation. The U.K. Office for National Statistics estimated that 87 percent of adults in Great Britain used the Internet daily or almost every day last year. Nearly all adults — 99 percent — aged 16 to 44 went online every day or most days, compared to 61 percent of adults 65 or older. ARU's Stephanie Stockwell said the study suggests that older adults who go online less often may have a better grip on balancing real-world and online interactions, with many too occupied to go online every day.