The Elderly’s Behaviors in Using Social Media to Improve Their Life Quality to Achieve Good Health and Well-Being Under United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the elderly’s behaviors in using social media to improve their quality of life. The research design was quantitative. Theoretical Framework: This study is based on the premise that personal characteristics and social media usage behaviors influence the quality of life among older adults. Guided by socio-behavioral and gerontological perspectives, it examines how demographic factors and patterns of digital engagement affect physical, mental, social, and environmental well-being. The framework highlights the potential of social media to enhance connectivity, reduce isolation, and improve access to information and services for the elderly. Method: The research design was quantitative. The population was the elderly living in Roi Et Province in northeastern Thailand. They commonly used smartphones, tablets, or computers in daily life. The sample group consisted of 314 people. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that most of the samples were female, aged between 60-78 years, with an average age of 67.73 years, married couples, and graduated from lower/upper secondary schools. Analyzing the four aspects of the use of social media, it was found that the overall quality of life of the elderly who used social media in the physical, mental, and environmental aspects was at a high level. In contrast, the quality of life in the social aspect was at a moderate level. In the physical aspect, the most common use of social media was to search for information about illnesses (6.1 %). In the mental aspect, the greatest use of social media was to reduce their depression and loneliness regularly (82.5 %). In terms of promoting social relationships, the elderly’s most frequent use of social media was to build relationships with family members (46.2 %). In the environmental aspect, the elderly showed usual use of social media to stay informed of news on government services and welfare (43.6 %). Research Implications: Implications of this research include valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare providers, and social service organizations, particularly in northeastern Thailand. Originality/Value: This research provides novel insights into how older adults in northeastern Thailand use social media to enhance various aspects of their quality of life. It uniquely highlights specific behavioral patterns, purposes of use, and their associated benefits across physical, mental, social, and environmental dimensions. The findings offer culturally relevant data that can inform localized strategies and interventions to support healthy aging through digital engagement.