The impact of social isolation and digital exclusion on mental and physical health in older adults: A meta-analysis

Our findings suggest that both social isolation and digital exclusion are independently and significantly associated with an elevated risk of depression in older adults. Furthermore, these factors correlate with poorer physical functioning. Digital exclusion may be a critical "super-social determinant" of health, underscoring the need for integrated interventions that address both social connectivity and digital literacy to improve the well-being of the elderly.