Use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT)  as a predictor of Successful Aging

Promoting Healthy Aging goes beyond the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases, physical disabilities, and cognitive decline; fostering and promoting Healthy or Successful Aging (SA) entails a range of biological, psychological, cognitive, social, and even spiritual characteristics. Information and communication technology (ICT), refers to telecommunication technologies, such as telephone, computers and electronic tablets. ICT use in elderly may increase successful aging by maintaining and improving active life, social skills and cognitive functions. The study aimed to analyze SA and its association to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) use in older adults of Guadalajara City, Mexico. A cross-sectional study involved 456 community-dwelling Mexican older adults. SA was assessed by Rowe & Kahn’s Successful Aging model which evaluates five domains: absence of major illness and disability, optimal physical and cognitive functioning and active engagement in life. Participants were asked about the use of ICT in their daily life and the purpose of its use. Socio-demographic and health data were also asked. Pearson ́s correlation test and Multivariate Analyses of Variance (MANOVA) were performed. The use of ICT had a positive impact on the achievement of successful aging, significant correlation between ICT use in old age and the presence of Successful Aging. The model explains ICT use by elders predicts 8.6% of Successful Aging. Identifying predictors for successful aging is essential for generating viable strategies that could be implemented for improving well-being and health conditions in older adults.