The effect of internet use on depressive symptoms in older adults: based on the chain mediating role of physical exercise and self-rated health

Internet use can directly affect the depressive symptoms of the older adults, and can also indirectly affect the depressive symptoms of the older adults through physical exercise and self-rated health. The depressive symptoms of the older adults who do not use the Internet are heterogeneous and can be divided into three categories. With the popularization of the Internet, the use of the Internet should be promoted for the older adults, and the frequency of physical exercise should be enhanced to achieve physical and mental health.