Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the potential contribution of a membership in an online family community to older adults' overall well-being. Design/methodology/approach: A total of 427 respondents over the age of 64 participated in the study (M = 74.55, SD = 7.13), answering a survey. To test the contributing of belonging to family online communities (WhatsApp), three hierarchical regression analyses were conducted, with well-being, self-perceptions of aging and loneliness as outcome variables. Findings: Findings show that belonging to an intergenerational family online community was associated with higher levels of well-being, less loneliness and better self-perceptions of aging, even once demographic characteristics and using social media were controlled for. Social implications: This study demonstrates the important role that the family online community membership plays in older adults' lives. This has significant implications that may contribute to intergenerational emotional solidarity. Originality/value: The authors suggest that technology is not per se, but the intergenerational opportunities that technology facilitates that make a difference. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-06-2021-0332
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 221-237 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Online Information Review |
Volume | 47 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 30 Mar 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited.
Keywords
- Family online community
- Intergenerational
- Loneliness
- Older adults
- Social media
- Well-being