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The Association between Internet Use and Physical Exercise among Middle-Aged and Older Adults—Evidence from China

Author

Listed:
  • Bin Guo

    (Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China)

  • Xiaodong Zhang

    (Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China)

  • Rui Zhang

    (Department of Physical Education, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China)

  • Gong Chen

    (Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China)

Abstract

Background: In an aging and digital society, Internet use is significantly associated with residents’ physical exercise. This study aimed to explore the association between Internet use and physical exercise among Chinese middle-aged and older adults in two respects: Internet use and the purpose of Internet use. Methods: The data used in this study were obtained from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted by Peking University. The logit model and the ordered probit model were used to analyze the association between Internet use and physical exercise, and the substitution variable method was used to examine the robustness of the results. Results: (1) Internet use and the frequency of Internet use significantly increased the probability and frequency of middle-aged and older adults’ participation in physical exercise ( p < 0.001). (2) “Watching news”, “chatting” and “watching videos” via the Internet were positively associated with physical exercise, while “playing games” had no impact. (3) Internet use had a greater impact on physical exercise participation among middle-aged adults and those living in urban areas than among older adults and those living in rural areas. Conclusions: This study suggests that Internet use among middle-aged and older adults is positively associated with their participation in physical exercise; the government should try to increase the popularity of Internet use to encourage their participation in physical exercise.

Suggested Citation

  • Bin Guo & Xiaodong Zhang & Rui Zhang & Gong Chen, 2022. "The Association between Internet Use and Physical Exercise among Middle-Aged and Older Adults—Evidence from China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:24:p:16401-:d:996027
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ronggang Zhou & Patrick S W Fong & Peking Tan, 2014. "Internet Use and Its Impact on Engagement in Leisure Activities in China," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(2), pages 1-11, February.
    2. Hanspeter Stamm & Markus Lamprecht & Bertino Somaini & Matthias Peters, 2001. "“Getting Switzerland to move”: E valuation of a new “Sport for All” programme," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 46(1), pages 20-28, January.
    3. Andreas Ihle & Bruna R. Gouveia & Élvio R. Gouveia & Boris Cheval & Marcelo de Maio Nascimento & Lúcia Conceição & Priscila Marconcin & Miguel Peralta & Gerson Ferrari & Duarte Oliveira & Matthias Kli, 2021. "Physical Activity Dimensions Differentially Predict Physical and Mental Components of Health-Related Quality of Life: Evidence from a Sport for All Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-9, December.
    4. Roberta Bevilacqua & Stefano Strano & Mirko Di Rosa & Cinzia Giammarchi & Katerina Katka Cerna & Claudia Mueller & Elvira Maranesi, 2021. "eHealth Literacy: From Theory to Clinical Application for Digital Health Improvement. Results from the ACCESS Training Experience," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-11, November.
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