Background: The internet and digital devices are becoming increasingly involved in the lives of older adults with chronic diseases in China. Our research aims to explore the association between the use of the Internet and smart devices and the mental health of older adults with chronic diseases, and to investigate possible mediating mechanisms. Methods: Data were obtained from 7150 older adults with chronic diseases in mainland China. The obtained data were analyzed using path analysis, and structural equation models were adopted to explore the impact of the use of the Internet and smart devices on their mental health, and to examine whether social isolation plays a mediating role. Results: There is an association between usage of internet and smart devices and mental health in older adults with chronic diseases. Internet access and healthcare are positively correlated with mental health, and are also associated with lower levels of social alienation and social exclusion. Social isolation plays an important mediating role in the use of the internet and smart devices as well as in mental health of older adults with chronic diseases. Conclusion: The research on the relationship between the internet and digital devices and mental health, as well as the mediating effect of social isolation, expands the application of Disengagement Theory in the digital age. Although the use of the internet and digital devices can help reduce social isolation and improve mental health, not all smart devices contribute to reducing social isolation.The use of certain intelligent devices, such as sleep monitoring devices, may be associated with risk factors for social participation and mental health. It is important to distinguish the roles of the different types of functional devices. Therefore, more attention should be given to the positive role of digital technology in healthcare for older adults. Keywords: internet use, smart devices, mental health, older adults with chronic diseases, social isolation
Zhu et al. (Thu,) studied this question.