The promoting effect of internet use on the physical health of Chinese older adults: an empirical study based on the difference-in-differences model

Introduction. The widespread adoption of information technology (IT) has had a profound impact on economic and social development. With China confronting an increasingly serious aging population issue, it becomes critical to examine the effects of Internet use on the physical health of older adults. Method. This study seeks to investigate the impact of Internet use on older adults' physical health by employing a pooled cross-sectional difference-in-differences (DID) model, drawing on data from the China General Social Survey (CGSS) covering the years 2012 to 2021. Conclusions. The results demonstrate that Internet use significantly enhances the physical health of older adults, with these findings proving robust. Mechanism tests further reveal that Internet use contributes to improved physical health by increasing the frequency of physical exercise. Additionally, heterogeneity analysis indicates that the positive effects of Internet use are more pronounced among older adults in economically developed regions and those with poor self-perceived health.