Staying connected online may play an important role in supporting older adults who care for family members or friends, helping them feel less lonely and better able to cope with the demands of caregiving. This was the conclusion of a recent study led by researchers at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and published in JMIR Aging. The findings add to growing evidence that digital technology can be a valuable resource for older people, particularly those whose caring responsibilities limit their time, mobility, and social opportunities.
Caregiving is widespread in the United States, with around 59 million people providing unpaid care to ageing adults or individuals with complex medical needs. Many informal caregivers look after spouses, relatives, or close friends, often for extended periods and with little external support. While caregiving can be deeply meaningful, it is also physically and emotionally demanding. For older caregivers, these challenges can be especially intense, as they may be managing their own health issues at the same time.
According to the study’s lead author, Xiang Qi, an assistant professor at NYU Meyers, caregiving can take a significant toll on both body and mind. Chronic stress, anxiety, and physical strain from tasks such as lifting or assisting another person are everyday occurrences. Over time, caregivers may prioritise the needs of the person they support at the expense of their own health, delaying medical care or ignoring warning signs of exhaustion and illness. This combination of stress and self-neglect can gradually erode wellbeing.
Caregiving can also be socially isolating. The time and energy required often reduce opportunities to go out, meet friends, or maintain regular social contact. As responsibilities increase, social networks may shrink, leaving caregivers feeling cut off from others. In this context, technology can offer alternative ways to stay connected. Online tools such as video calls, messaging apps, virtual support groups, and caregiving forums provide opportunities for interaction without requiring physical travel or large blocks of free time.
While technology is sometimes criticised for increasing isolation, particularly among younger people, the researchers wanted to explore whether it might have a different effect for older caregivers. They analysed data from the 2019–2020 California Health Interview Survey, the largest statewide health survey in the United States, focusing on 3,957 participants aged 65 and over who provided unpaid care to a family member or friend.
The analysis showed that about 12 per cent of older caregivers reported physical or mental health problems linked to their caregiving role. These individuals were also more likely to feel lonely, reflecting the cumulative strain of poor health and social restriction. However, the study found that caregivers who used the internet more frequently tended to report lower overall loneliness. Regular internet use buffer against loneliness, particularly for those experiencing health difficulties.
Although the study did not examine specific online activities, Qi suggests that the type of internet use may matter. Interactive activities such as video chatting or participating in online support groups are constructive, as they involve direct social connection rather than passive consumption. Based on these findings, the researchers encourage older caregivers to see the internet as a practical tool for staying connected, finding support, and accessing reliable information, helping to ease the emotional burden of caregiving and reinforce a sense of not being alone.
More information: Xiang Qi et al, Buffering Effects of Internet Use on Caregiving-Related Health Impacts and Loneliness Among Older Informal Caregivers in California: Cross-Sectional Study, JMIR Aging. DOI: 10.2196/74209
Journal information: JMIR Aging Provided by New York University
