2024 Volume 3 Article ID: 2024_004_OA
[Aim] Loneliness is a significant factor affecting the health of older adults. This study explores the influence of social networking service (SNS) use on loneliness among community-dwelling older adults. [Methods] The study involved community-dwelling older adults who participated in a web-based survey conducted in January 2023. Loneliness was assessed using the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale, 3rd edition. Logistic regression analysis was conducted with loneliness as the dependent variable and SNS use, frequency of use, and type of SNS as independent variables. [Results] The analysis encompassed 1038 participants. Loneliness was significantly lower among SNS users (odds ratio [OR] 1.63, [95% confidence interval 1.23–2.30]). A significant association was noted between older adults who used SNS more than five to six times a week (OR 1.56 [1.06–2.30]) and Facebook (OR 2.24 [1.49–3.36]) and lower levels of loneliness. [Conclusions] The study demonstrated an association between SNS use and reduced loneliness among community-dwelling older adults. These findings indicate that frequent use of SNS, especially Facebook, may serve as a valuable strategy to alleviate loneliness in this demographic.
