The longitudinal associations of remote intergenerational communication with instrumental activities of daily living among older adults

Maintaining independence in instrumental activities of daily living is crucial for older adults in an ageing society. This study, utilizing longitudinal data, aims to explore the relationship between remote intergenerational communication and independent activities in older adults. The sample consisted of 2353 participants from the longitudinal data of the fourth (2016), fifth (2018), and sixth (2020) waves of the China Family Panel Studies. We employed a logistic regression model and a bootstrap test method to analyze the data. The results indicate that each unit increase in remote intergenerational communication reduces the odds of IADL impairment by 14.3%. Moreover, there is a significant difference in the effect of remote intergenerational communication on IADL between rural and urban area's elderly individuals. Additionally, the study reveals that happiness serves as a mediator between remote intergenerational communication and IADL, with the mediation effect accounting for 13.6%. Our findings suggest that in the contemporary era of population aging and widespread internet use, measures aimed at promoting greater intergenerational interaction must be developed and implemented. For example, encouraging online communication between children and parents, especially for rural elderly individuals. By doing so, we can foster the development of a healthy aging society.