The effects of social media intergenerational program on depressive symptoms, intergenerational relationships, social support, and well-being in older adults: A quasi-experimental research

Abstract

Depressive symptoms are common among older adults. This quasi-experimental study aims to examine the effects of a social media intergenerational program on depressive symptoms, intergenerational relationships, social support, and well-being in older adults. This study enrolled 100 older adults who were divided into the intervention group (n=50) and control group (n=50). The intervention group received 5 weeks of the social media intergenerational program. The control group maintained their daily routines. Data were collected using structured questionnaires at baseline and 5 and 9 weeks after enrollment. We found that approximately 35% of older adults had mild to severe depressive symptoms. Compared to the control group, the intervention group exhibited significantly greater improvements in depressive symptoms, intergenerational relationships, social support, and well-being in the fifth week and the ninth week after intervention. Intergenerational social media activities were recommended for older adults to improve their depressive symptoms, and promote intergenerational relationships and well-being.