Have changes in Internet use during the COVID-19 pandemic affected older adults’ self-rated health? A cross-sectional study of young-old and old-old populations in Korea

Disparities in Internet access are barriers to older populations’ well-being. This study examined the association between changes in older adults’ Internet usage during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and their self-rated health. Participants were adults aged 65 years and above, selected from the 2020 Digital Divide Survey conducted in Korea (n = 1150). Changes in Internet use among younger (aged 65–74 years) and older (aged 75 years and above) groups and the association between these changes and participants’ self-rated health were examined. Internet usage remained similar or increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among the younger group. Increased Internet use was associated with better self-rated health of the participants. Other characteristics, including age, income, and education level, were also positively associated with their health. This study highlights the need for increasing older adults’ access to online activities to enhance health equity in the digital era.