<p>Correlation matrix of the main variables.</p>

Internet use also showed positive associations with social participation (β = 0.138, p < 0.001) and physical activity (β = 0.151, p < 0.001). After social participation and physical activity were included in the models, the associations between Internet use and physical health (β = 0.099, p < 0.001) and mental health (β = 0.061, p < 0.01) remained significant. Bootstrap analysis indicated statistically significant total indirect associations for physical health (95% CI: [0.0228, 0.0404]) and mental health (95% CI: [0.0089, 0.0184]).

Among the estimated indirect associations, the association through physical activity accounted for the largest proportion. The interaction between Internet use and urban status was significant only in the physical health model (β = −0.061, p < 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusions</p><p>Internet use is associated with better physical and mental health among older adults in China. Social participation and physical activity statistically account for part of these associations.

The stronger association observed for physical health among rural older adults suggests that the health-related role of Internet use may depend on social and resource contexts.</p></div>