Abstract
Positive social connection, a fundamental human need intricately intertwined with physical and psychological well-being, was significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, disproportionately affecting older adults. This exploratory-descriptive study considers the potential of social media platforms to foster positive social connections and address the challenges of an aging society, thus contributing to the sustainability of society. Data was collected from 117 older Thai adults through analysis of their social media engagement patterns, motives, and preferences, as well as their responses to the Thai Healthy Aging Instrument. A one-way ANOVA found that extended social media usage among older adults was associated with favorable indicators of healthy aging, such as self-sufficiency, altruistic endeavors, sustained cognitive engagement, robust social participation, and a constructive acceptance of the aging trajectory. However, it is important to note that time spent on social media was not significantly correlated with stress management, social relationship cultivation, self-awareness practices, or physical activity adherence. These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of social media’s impact on aging-related factors. The implications of this study extend well beyond the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a blueprint for addressing the broader challenges of social media, healthy aging, and social connections, as well as laying the groundwork for strategies that can help to alleviate inequalities among older Thai adults.
Presenters
Usar SuragarnDirector of International Relations, Faculty of Nursing, Rattana Bundit University, Pathum Thani, Thailand Nonglak Wuddhipreecha
Lecturer, McCormick Faculty of Nursing, Payap University, Chiang Mai, Thailand Glenn Pfaff
Lecturer, Simulation Instructor, Faculty of Nursing, Rattana Bundit University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
SOCIAL CONNECTION, SOCIAL MEDIA, HEALTHY AGEING, COVID-19, AGEING SOCIETY
