The contribution of audiobook use on the mental health of older adults: the mediating effects of social adaptation

Objectives: This study aims to examine the association between audiobook use and the mental health of older adults.Methods: Data were from the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey(CLASS 2018). The study utilized multiple linear regression to examine the association between audiobook use and the mental health of older adults. Robustness and heterogeneity analyses were conducted to validate the findings. Mediation analysis was employed to assess the mediating role of social adaptation in the relationship between audiobook use and mental health.Results: The study revealed a significant positive association between audiobook use and the mental health of older adults. Further mediation analysis indicated that social adaptation played a mediating role in this relationship.Conclusion: These findings underscore the potential of audiobooks as a valuable tool for promoting the mental health of older individuals. The research emphasizes the significance of integrating audiobook interventions into strategies aimed at enhancing the mental health of the older adults.