The Effect of Smartphones on the Self-Rated Health Levels of the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study in Punjab Province

Abstract

Background and objective: With ongoing modernization, the use of mobile phones is increasing day by day, but it has deleterious effects on health. The purpose of the study is to know how smartphones are affecting the social lives and mental health of elderly people. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study that included the elderly population of Punjab Province. The data was collected through a questionnaire on Google Forms using the snowball sampling technique. Results: From this study the results deducted were that most people have complained of tiredness and less focus, especially after smartphone usage. These people feel exhausted and disturbed after phone usage, and they are not satisfied with their health. Their social life is also affected by smartphone usage. Such people spend less time with family and at social gatherings. Conclusion: Smartphone usage is affecting the elderly in social, mental, and physical aspects of life. They feel tired and less focused. The elderly must be educated on how decreasing screen time will increase their mental and physical health.