Imagine your brain is like a car engine, constantly running and keeping you on the move. But what if certain things in your life prevent your engine from firing on all cylinders? According to a recent study, it seems that digital exclusion, specifically the absence of mobile payments and WeChat use, may hinder cognitive function in Chinese adults aged 45 and older. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 participants and found that those who did not engage in either mobile payments or WeChat had a significantly higher risk of cognitive impairment compared to those who did. Think of it like not utilizing key tools to maintain and optimize your engine, making it prone to breakdowns. These findings suggest the importance of promoting active digital integration among older adults to support cognitive health. It’s like giving your engine the fuel it needs to keep running smoothly! While more research is needed to validate these findings longitudinally, this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between digital exclusion and cognitive impairment in Chinese adults.
ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the relationship between digital exclusion, such as neither mobile payments nor WeChat use, and cognitive impairment in Chinese individuals aged 45 and older.MethodsA population-based cross-sectional study utilizing data from the fourth national survey of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). In the fourth wave of CHARLS, 10,325 participants aged 45 and older with complete information were included in this analysis. Self-reported mobile payments and WeChat usage constituted our exposure. Cognitive impairment was the primary outcome. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the relationships between cognitive impairment risk and digital exclusion.ResultsData were analyzed from 10,325 participants [mean (SD) age, 60.3 (9.1) years; 44.8% women], including 1,232 individuals with cognitive impairment and 9,093 cognitively normal individuals. The overall proportion of users who did not use either mobile payment or WeChat and those who only used WeChat were 81.3 and 6.7%, for cognitively impaired individuals 95.0 and 3.1%, and for cognitively normal individuals 79.5 and 7.2% [neither WeChat nor mobile payments vs. control unadjusted odds ratio (OR), 8.16; P < 0.001; only WeChat use vs. control unadjusted OR, 2.91; P < 0.001]. Participants who did not use either WeChat or mobile payments had an elevated risk for cognitive impairment after adjusting for a number of covariates (neither WeChat nor mobile payments vs. control adjusted OR, 3.48; P < 0.001; only WeChat use vs. control adjusted OR, 1.86; P = 0.021).ConclusionOur study reveals a positive correlation between digital exclusion and cognitive impairment in Chinese adults, providing insights for promoting active digital integration among older adults. Further longitudinal research is needed to further validate this hypothesis.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.