Korean J Health Promot.  2024 Jun;24(2):74-82. 10.15384/kjhp.2024.00080.

The Mediating and Moderating Effects of Types of Internet Use in the Relationship between Age and Cognitive Function among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

• CHOI K

• KMID: 2557079
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15384/kjhp.2024.00080

Abstract

Background
This paper examines whether various types of internet use mediated or moderated the relationship between age and cognitive function.
Methods
Using 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans, the data of 8,639 adults aged 65 or over were analyzed by complex sample analysis using chi-square test, t-test, multiple regression analysis, and Sobel’s test.
Results
All types of internet use were significantly associated with cognitive function and played a significant mediating effect in the relationship between age and cognitive function. Internet use for information searching was the most protective for cognitive function (β=1.902, P<0.001), while Internet use for interpersonal communication exhibited the greatest mediating effect in the relationship between age and cognitive function (Age: β=–0.131, P<0.001→ β=–0.079, P<0.001). The influence of age on cognitive function moderated by all types of internet use.
Conclusions
This underscores the need to consider various types of internet use when creating nonpharmacological interventions aimed at delaying age-associated cognitive decline in community-dwelling older adults.

Keyword

Internet; Cognitive function; Age; Older adults