The Influence of Media on the Health of Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The health of older adults is of paramount importance in this era of population aging, and media can play a significant role in this context. Therefore, this research was conducted to investigate the effects of media on the health of older adults. Methods: This structured review study did not include statistical analysis. To access relevant articles, databases were searched using specific keywords, yielding 340 articles published between 2010 and 2024. After screening, 31 articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected for qualitative analysis. Findings: The review of the articles revealed that media generally had a positive impact on the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of older adults' health, although some negative effects have been reported in a few cases. However, a comprehensive analysis of the media's influence on each dimension of older adults' health has not yet been conducted. The impact of media on the social health of older adults has been studied more extensively, whereas its effect on their spiritual health has received comparatively less attention. Furthermore, the effects of television and social networks have been examined more thoroughly than those of radio and newspapers. Conclusion: Media has a positive impact on the health of older adults, and given its significant potential, it can further enhance the well-being of this age group. Therefore, it is essential to examine the influence of media on various dimensions of health, and the findings should be shared with media professionals to support the promotion of healthy aging. © 2026, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.