The use of information and communication technologies affects mental health and quality of life of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Quality of life is a multidimensional concept. The World Health Organization estimates that the quality of life is affected by physical and mental health, social relations, and the physical environment. The purpose of the study was to determine which of these factors have affected the quality of life of older adults living in an institutional environment during the COVID-19 pandemic and how the use of ICT affects the mental health of older adults. Methods: Quantitative method, description method, and comparison method were used. With the questionnaire as a measuring instrument, we collected opinions from 128 older adults living in an institutional environment. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were used. Results: The regression function was reliable only between the association with mental health and quality of life, so we confirmed one hypothesis. Mental health is the only factor that affects the quality of life. Discussion and conclusion: We find that superior mental health affects the quality of life of older adults living in institutional settings during the COVID-19 pandemic and that ICT has a significant impact on mental health, meaning that greater emphasis should be placed on strengthening the mental health of older people living in institutional environments, especially during the COVID-19 epidemic, when several measures have been taken to contain it. In the future, more attention needs to be paid to equipping homes with ICT and encouraging and helping employees so older adults can use ICT as well.