Mitigating elderly isolation: the interplay of ICT adoption, community cohesion and perceived social support

Purpose Social isolation poses significant physical, psychological and social challenges for older adults. Information and communication technology (ICT)-based social networking offers new opportunities to strengthen social connectedness and enhance well-being. This study aims to examine the relationship between social cohesion and social well-being, explores the mediating role of perceived social support and investigates the moderating effect of ICT usage among elderly population. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 194 older adults using validated measurement scales. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings Social cohesion was found to have a significant positive effect on social well-being. Perceived social support mediated this relationship, indicating that greater social cohesion enhances well-being through increased support. ICT usage positively moderated the relationship, suggesting that older adults who actively use digital technologies for social networking experience stronger well-being benefits. The results of the study imply that digital tools do not automatically improve the well-being of older adults on their own, but rather serve as a catalyst that strengthens existing social ties. Consequently, policies aimed at reducing elderly isolation must pair digital literacy programs with community-building initiatives to ensure technology effectively amplifies real-world social support. Research limitations/implications Promoting social cohesion, perceived social support and digital inclusion can significantly improve the social well-being of older adults and contribute to healthy and active aging. Social implications This study highlights that digital tools do not automatically improve the well-being of older adults on their own, but rather serve as a catalyst that strengthens existing social ties. Consequently, policies aimed at reducing elderly isolation must pair digital literacy programs with community-building initiatives to ensure technology effectively amplifies real-world social support. Originality/value This study examines how social cohesion enhances the social well-being of older adults through the mediating role of perceived social support. The research introduces ICT usage as a critical moderating factor. The findings reveal that digital tools act as a catalyst, amplifying existing social bonds and community support to combat isolation in aging populations.