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This study aims to explore how internet access impacts cognitive function in older adults and identifies age-specific differences.

May 8, 2026Scientific ReportsOpen Access

Longitudinal associations between internet access and cognitive decline in older adults

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Randomized trial examines cognitive function in older adults, indicating internet access boosts cognition.

This study aims to explore how internet access impacts cognitive function in older adults and identifies age-specific differences.
Data collected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) for participants aged ≥ 50 years (n = 7721).
Lagged dependent variable models assessed associations between internet access and cognitive function.
Chain mediation analyses evaluated the role of family connection in this relationship.
Participants with internet access showed improved episodic memory (β = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.14–0.44) and mental status (β = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.12–0.44).
Adults aged 50–59 exhibited stronger improvements in episodic memory (β = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.17–0.55), while those aged 60–69 had enhanced mental status (β = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.15–0.69).
Family connection partially mediated the relationship between internet access and cognitive function.

Wang et al. (2026) studied this question.

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