Health of older adults and screen exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic: Integrative review

Abstract

This integrative review analyzed the impact of Information and Communication Technologies, especially screen exposure, on the health of adults aged 60 years and over during the social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The final sample included 16 articles published between 2020 and 2023, retrieved from databases such as SciELO, PubMed and Redalyc. The results showed that, although challenges related to access, usability, and excessive use of digital technologies remain, digital inclusion provided relevant benefits, such as strengthening social bonds, improving access to information, cognitive stimulation, and reducing perceived loneliness. On the other hand, prolonged screen time was associated with risks such as physical inactivity, sleep disorders, and emotional overload. The infodemic and the inadequate use of social media were aggravating factors for mental health. It is concluded that Information and Communication Technologies played an ambivalent role, promoting inclusion while also representing potential sources of risk. Public policies should encourage digital literacy, family support, and strategies that combine conscious use of technology with practices that promote the physical and emotional health of older adults.