Intergenerational family online community and older adults' overall well-being

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

Citation

Gazit, T., Nisim, S. and Ayalon, L. (2023), "Intergenerational family online community and older adults' overall well-being", Online Information Review, Vol. 47 No. 2, pp. 221-237. https://doi.org/10.1108/OIR-06-2021-0332