Brazil elderly internet access reaches 74.5% amid mental health concerns

Digital connectivity among elderly populations in Brazil is rising significantly. According to data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), internet access for people aged 60 and older grew from 70.1% in 2024 to 74.5% in 2025.

While technology can help seniors maintain social ties, combat isolation, and stay engaged with family, it also presents mental health challenges. A Canadian study published in PLOS Global Public Health involving 13,500 people aged 55 and older found an association between social media use and a decline in perceived mental health. Conversely, the use of email was linked to a positive perception of mental health.

Psychologists suggest that technology should be used as a tool to facilitate meaningful connections rather than a replacement for real-life interactions. Balanced use, such as video calls, can help reduce feelings of distance when physical meetings are not possible.