Promoting positive self-perception of aging through internet use: evidence from a longitudinal study of older adults in the United States

This study examined the reciprocal relationship between internet use and self-perception of aging (SPA) among older adults in the United States, focusing on individual changes over time. Analyzing panel data from 6,690 participants aged 65 and older in the Health and Retirement Study, random-intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPM) revealed significant within-person effects: increased internet use fostered positive SPA, and a more positive SPA encouraged greater internet use. These findings underscore the potential of internet use to promote positive aging perceptions, providing empirical support for internet training and interventions aimed at enhancing mental well-being, reducing social isolation, and challenging age-related stereotypes.