Older Chinese, the Internet, and Well-Being

In: Care management journals, Band 8, Heft 1, S. 33-38

Abstract

This study examines the impact of the Internet on the well-being of older Chinese. Thirty-three older Chinese, who were current or former students of a senior-oriented computer training organization based in Shanghai, China, were interviewed about their use and perceptions of the Internet. Data analysis was guided by grounded theory. The findings indicate that Internet learning and use in this peer group makes these older Chinese's lives after retirement more meaningful, and improves their self-evaluations as well as other people's views of them. These findings suggest that Internet learning and use is positively associated with the well-being of these older Chinese. This study also finds culturally specific factors—including mandatory retirement and recent economic reforms in China—that mediate older Chinese people's use and perceptions of the Internet. Finally, societal implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.