INTERNET USAGE AND INTRINSIC CAPACITY - Vol. 9 - Abstract citation ID igaf122.2805

Sep 29, 2026

Study examines whether internet use relates to intrinsic capacity—an integrated measure of physical and mental abilities—among older adults in England. Using 2012–2013 Wave 6 data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA), the analysis covers 4,143 participants aged 60+. Internet use is self-reported and grouped as high, medium, and low. Intrinsic capacity is modeled from 14 variables including cognition, balance, mobility, sensory function, strength, body measures, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction. Linear regression shows medium use is not linked to lower capacity, while low use corresponds to a substantially lower intrinsic capacity score versus high use, even after full adjustment.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Background

Data and Measures

Internet Use

Intrinsic Capacity

Statistical Analysis

Results

Implications and Future Research

FAQs

What concept links internet use to aging outcomes in this study?

The study focuses on intrinsic capacity, defined as the combination of physical and mental abilities.

How was internet usage measured and categorized?

Internet usage was based on respondents’ self-reported frequency of using the internet or email, grouped into high, medium, and low.

What was the main finding about low versus high internet usage?

Low internet usage was associated with a lower intrinsic capacity score compared with high usage, after full adjustment for demographics and health characteristics.

Sep 29, 2026

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