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Effects of Computer Training and Internet Usage on the Well-Being and Quality of Life of Older Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Study

Institute of Brain and Behaviour and the Faculty of Psychology, Maastricht University, the Netherlands.

Address correspondence to Karin Slegers, PhD, Institute of Brain and Behaviour, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, the Netherlands. E-mail: karin.slegers{at}vodafone.com

The quality of life of older adults may be improved by the use of computer or Web-based services. A limited number of experimental studies on this topic have shown mixed results. We carried out a randomized, controlled intervention study that aimed to examine the causal relationship between computer use and measures of physical well-being, social well-being, emotional well-being, development and activity, and autonomy. We randomly assigned a group of 191 participants to an intervention group, a training–no intervention group, or a no training–no intervention group. A fourth group consisted of 45 participants with no interest in computer use. We collected data at baseline, after 4 months, and after 12 months. The results showed that using computers and the Internet neither positively nor negatively influenced everyday functioning, well-being and mood, and the social network of healthy older individuals. We discuss possibilities for future studies.

Key Words: Computer use • Internet • Well-being