Internet Use Is Linked to Slower Decline in Cognitive Functioning: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study

Francesco C. Billari, Bocconi University
Valeria Bordone, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich

In this study, we ask whether Internet use is linked to cognitive functioning among older adults. Using data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study from 2002 to 2010 and individual fixed-effect models controlling for age, activity status, and self-reported health, we show that using the Internet is associated with slower declines in measures of cognitive functioning for both women and men.

Presented in Session 9: Individual Ageing 1