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Smartphone-related addictive behaviors in older adults are associated with poorer sleep quality, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and loneliness, but evidence for cognitive decline is insufficient.

A scoping review of 22 studies (mostly cross-sectional) found consistent associations between smartphone addiction and poorer sleep quality, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and loneliness in adults aged 60+. Evidence for physical activity, daily living, posture, visual fatigue, and social participation was limited, and cognitive decline claims were unsupported. Direct intervention evidence was restricted to one small RCT showing improvements in posture and neck function.

Last updated: Aug 20, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score32/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Health correlates and health-related outcomes associated with smartphone-related addictive behaviors in older adults: a scoping review.

observational

Jiang N, Yao J, Wu Y · Frontiers in public health (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Not applicable (scoping review of observational and interventional studies)
Outcome: Sleep quality, depressive symptoms, anxiety, loneliness, physical activity, instrumental activities of daily living, posture, visual fatigue, social participation, cognitive function
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Adults aged 60 years or older with smartphone-related addictive behaviors

Result:

PubMed: 42601935DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1879219

Mechanism Graph

Smartphone addictive behaviors may disrupt sleep through blue light exposure and late-night use
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Excessive use may lead to social isolation and reduced physical activity
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Psychological distress (depression, anxiety) may co-occur with addictive use
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Result: Poorer sleep, mood disturbances, and loneliness

Limitations

  • ⚠Most studies were cross-sectional, limiting causal inference
  • ⚠Heterogeneous concepts and assessment tools across studies
  • ⚠Geographically concentrated in China and Asia, limiting generalizability
  • ⚠Age-stratified findings for the oldest-old were rarely reported

Frequently Asked Questions

Does smartphone addiction cause poor sleep in older adults?▼

The review found an association, but due to cross-sectional designs, causality cannot be established.

What are the common health correlates of smartphone addiction in older adults?▼

Poorer sleep quality, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and loneliness were most consistently reported.

Is there evidence that smartphone addiction affects cognitive function in older adults?▼

No, the evidence was insufficient to support claims of cognitive decline.

What interventions exist for smartphone addiction in older adults?▼

Only one small RCT tested home-based corrective exercise, which improved posture and neck function.

Products

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References

  1. 1.Jiang N, Yao J, Wu Y. "Health correlates and health-related outcomes associated with smartphone-related addictive behaviors in older adults: a scoping review.." Frontiers in public health, 2026. PMID: 42601935 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1879219
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.