Correlation Study Between TV Viewing Variables and Cognitive Level, Depression Level, and Activities of Daily Living in Older Individuals Living Alone

Background/objectives: Although there are studies on TV viewing and the health status of elderly, they do not present direct associations with specific variables. The aim of this study was to determine correlations between TV viewing variables and elderly health variables in older adults living alone. Methods: Data were collected from 50 elderly individuals with an average age of 82.12 ± 4.32 (Male 20%, Female 80%). Television viewing variables were collected via a TV set-top box, including the daily average viewing time, upper zapping threshold, lower zapping threshold, and average zapping per hour. The cognitive level was assessed using the Mini-Mental-State Examination, the depression level was assessed with the Geriatric Depression Scale, and activities of daily living were assessed using the Modified Barthel Index. Spearman correlation analysis was applied to the collected variables. Results: The results showed significant correlations between the depression level and both the daily average viewing time (r = 0.320) and upper zapping threshold (r = 0.308). The activities of daily living demonstrated significant correlations with the daily average viewing time (r = −0.313) and upper zapping threshold (r = −0.352). Conclusions: The TV viewing time and zapping are associated with depression and daily living activities, suggesting their potential as early diagnostic indicators for geriatric diseases in older adults living alone.