Smartphone Use and Its Relation to Cognitive Impairment and Depressive Symptoms among Elderly People

Abstract

The accelerating aging process and growing digitalization of society have drawn more focus to the effects of smartphone use on cognitive performance and depression in older adults. Aim: To assess the relationship between smartphone use and cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms among elderly people. Design: A descriptive research design was used. Setting: the elderly club of Al-Taqwa Association, the elderly club of the Family Care Association, and the elderly club in Kafr Al-Maisleh. Sampling: A systemic random sample consisting of 270 elderly persons was included in the study (155 users and 115 nonusers of smartphone). Instruments: Three instruments were used: the Characteristics of Elderly Structured Interview Questionnaire, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Results: Mean score of total MoCA was higher in mobile users elderly than non-users (25.1 ± 3.6, 23.5 ± 4.7) respectively and the mean score of total depression was lower in mobile users elderly than non-users (4.3 ± 2.1, 5.5 ± 3.01) respectively with statistically significant difference between users and non-users. Conclusion: Usage of the smartphone was more associated with better cognitive functions and lower depression scores. Depression symptoms were associated with the elderly over 70 years old, those with a low educational level, widowed, the elderly who live alone, and those who have a low rate of social interaction. Recommendations: Providing elderly people with information on smartphone features to promote active smartphone use. Using and maximizing mobile phone features in nursing interventions can benefit senior citizens' health.