Global Research Trends on Social Media and Older Adults: A Bibliometric Perspective

According to the research by Gil Quintana et al. (2025), the global scientific output on social media and older adults has expanded significantly from 1995 to 2023. This bibliometric analysis examined 2,695 documents indexed in the Web of Science, focusing on research fields such as behavioral sciences, psychology, healthcare, and computer science. The study offers a detailed overview of the actors, countries, keywords, and educational implications tied to digital engagement in aging populations.

What is it?

This article explains that social media platforms serve as crucial tools for communication, self-expression, and information access among older adults. Despite barriers like digital illiteracy and ageism, older individuals are increasingly integrating digital tools into their daily lives, driven by health needs, emotional well-being, and social connectivity.

Why is it important?

The main findings indicate that promoting media literacy for seniors is essential in reducing the digital divide and enhancing their ability to critically evaluate content. This not only improves their digital participation but also addresses loneliness, misinformation, and generational exclusion. Media education becomes a pillar of lifelong learning, especially in the context of post-pandemic digital acceleration.

How is it applied?

Based on this analysis, educational institutions and policy-makers are encouraged to implement targeted training programs. These should include practical digital skills, critical content evaluation, and tools to navigate privacy and security settings on social platforms. Such efforts can be delivered through adult learning centers, community programs, and informal education environments.

Main Trends and Networks

• The United States leads in publications (757 documents), followed by Spain (511).

• Research output grew significantly after 2012, peaking in 2020.

• Prominent authors include Jia Wu, Howard Giles, and Itai Himelboim.

• Key institutions: University of Michigan, University of Maryland, University of Seville.

• Most cited journals: Profesional de la Información, Health Communication, Comunicar.

Keyword Highlights

The most frequent and impactful keywords include social networks, communication, media, health, education, and aging. These terms form strong thematic clusters that reveal a growing academic interest in the intersection of digital media and aging.

Historical Evolution

The study categorizes research development into three phases:

• 1995–2004: Focus on communication and aging, speech, and social behaviors.

• 2005–2014: Rise of social media as tools for health, intergenerational exchange, and education.

• 2015–2023: Expansion into health crises, gender issues, misinformation, and media literacy.

Training and Educational Opportunities

This article explains that addressing digital inequality requires educational responses tailored to older adults. Programs should focus on:

• Bridging the digital gap through beginner-friendly workshops.

• Combatting misinformation and promoting critical digital literacy.

• Addressing health, safety, and well-being via informed media use.

• Strengthening social inclusion and intergenerational participation.

FAQs

What are the main challenges for older adults using social media?
Older adults face difficulties related to digital skills, age-based exclusion, misinformation, and technological access.

How can media education benefit seniors?
Media education empowers seniors to participate actively in digital life, protecting them from misinformation and fostering social engagement.

Which countries lead research on social media and older adults?
The USA and Spain are the most prolific contributors, followed by China, the UK, and Canada.

What are the implications for lifelong learning?
Lifelong learning programs should incorporate digital and media literacy to promote autonomy, health, and social integration in aging populations.