Intergenerational family online community and older adults' overall well-being

Purpose - This study aims to evaluate the potential contribution of a membership in an online family community to older adults' overall well-being. Design/methodology/approach - A total of 427 respondents over the age of 64 participated in the study (M = 74.55, SD = 7.13), answering a survey. To test the contributing of belonging to family online communities (WhatsApp), three hierarchical regression analyses were conducted, with well-being, self-perceptions of aging and loneliness as outcome variables. Findings - Findings show that belonging to an intergenerational family online community was associated with higher levels of well-being, less loneliness and better self-perceptions of aging, even once demographic characteristics and using social media were controlled for. Social implications - This study demonstrates the important role that the family online community membership plays in older adults' lives. This has significant implications that may contribute to intergenerational emotional solidarity. Originality/value -The authors suggest that technology is not per se, but the intergenerational opportunities that technology facilitates that make a difference.