Examining the relationship between life satisfaction, loneliness, perceived social support, and social media use among older women

A cross-sectional study

Bibliographic Data

ID21537065
AuthorsZehra İncedal Sonkaya (0000-0002-5446-9707, Amasya Üniversitesi, corresponding author), Gözde Yıldız DAŞ GEÇİM (0000-0002-9147-2016, Amasya Üniversitesi)
Year2026
Pages1-17
Publication date2026-05-08
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueEducational Gerontology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0360-1277 • E-ISSN: 1521-0472
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/03601277.2026.2670459
OpenAlexW7160606602
LanguageEN
References cited64

Aging is a complex process involving physical, psychological, and social adjustments, often requiring support from others. Older women constitute a disadvantaged group and commonly face challenges such as the loss of a spouse or partner, reduced attention from children, and age-related difficulties. This study was conducted between September and December 2024 to examine the relationship between life satisfaction, loneliness, perceived social support, and social media use among older women. A total of 225 older women living in a northern province of Türkiye participated. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire prepared by the authors, the Social Media Usage Scale (SMUS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS). Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and Pearson correlation analysis were used in data analysis. A significant positive correlation was found between participants’ life satisfaction and multidimensional perceived social support. Additionally, the SWLS total score was negatively correlated with the DJGLS Emotional Loneliness subscale (r = −0.295, p < .001), the Social Loneliness subscale (r = −0.424, p < .001), and the total DJGLS score (r = −0.418, p < .001). Social media use was also significantly associated with marital status, educational level, and daily routines. The findings indicate that several factors influence life satisfaction and loneliness among older women. There is a need for health promotion programs aimed at reducing or mitigating these factors throughout the aging process

Computer-mediated communication · Perception · Qualitative research · Social isolation · Social media · Social support · Health disparities and outcomes · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Technology Use by Older Adults

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