Mitigating elderly isolation: the interplay of ICT adoption, community cohesion and perceived social support
Lishin Moothery JoshyPurpose
Social isolation poses significant physical, psychological and social challenges for older adults. Information and communication technology (ICT)-based social networking offers new opportunities to strengthen social connectedness and enhance well-being. This study aims to examine the relationship between social cohesion and social well-being, explores the mediating role of perceived social support and investigates the moderating effect of ICT usage among elderly population.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 194 older adults using validated measurement scales. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
Social cohesion was found to have a significant positive effect on social well-being. Perceived social support mediated this relationship, indicating that greater social cohesion enhances well-being through increased support. ICT usage positively moderated the relationship, suggesting that older adults who actively use digital technologies for social networking experience stronger well-being benefits. The results of the study imply that digital tools do not automatically improve the well-being of older adults on their own, but rather serve as a catalyst that strengthens existing social ties. Consequently, policies aimed at reducing elderly isolation must pair digital literacy programs with community-building initiatives to ensure technology effectively amplifies real-world social support.
Research limitations/implications
Promoting social cohesion, perceived social support and digital inclusion can significantly improve the social well-being of older adults and contribute to healthy and active aging.
Social implications
This study highlights that digital tools do not automatically improve the well-being of older adults on their own, but rather serve as a catalyst that strengthens existing social ties. Consequently, policies aimed at reducing elderly isolation must pair digital literacy programs with community-building initiatives to ensure technology effectively amplifies real-world social support.
Originality/value
This study examines how social cohesion enhances the social well-being of older adults through the mediating role of perceived social support. The research introduces ICT usage as a critical moderating factor. The findings reveal that digital tools act as a catalyst, amplifying existing social bonds and community support to combat isolation in aging populations.