Use of Mobile Phones and Its Relation to Sedentary Lifestyle and Psychosomatic Wellbeing among Elderly Individuals in Pune, Maharashtra: A Narrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29070/gqedkn35Keywords:
Elderly, Digital age, psychosomatic wellbeing, sedentary lifestyle, PuneAbstract
The rapid proliferation of mobile phone usage across all age groups, including the elderly population, has significantly altered lifestyle patterns and health behaviors. While mobile phones offer substantial benefits such as improved communication, access to health information, and enhanced independence, their excessive use has increasingly been associated with sedentary behavior and adverse psychosomatic outcomes (1,7). This narrative review aims to synthesize available evidence on the relationship between mobile phone use, sedentary lifestyle, and psychosomatic wellbeing among elderly individuals, with contextual relevance to Pune, Maharashtra.
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Studies examining mobile phone usage, physical activity levels, sedentary behavior, and psychological health outcomes in elderly populations were included. Evidence suggests that increased mobile phone use is associated with reduced physical activity levels and increased sedentary time (2,3). Additionally, excessive smartphone use has been linked with depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and reduced overall wellbeing in elderly individuals (7,8).
However, mobile phones also serve as important tools for social engagement, healthcare access, and cognitive stimulation, indicating a dual role (10). The findings highlight the need for balanced usage and targeted interventions to mitigate risks while enhancing benefits. This review underscores the importance of promoting digital literacy alongside active lifestyles among the elderly population in urban Indian settings.
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