Researchers from the University of Hong Kong found those who meet the age threshold and use the internet to surf the web, send or reply to emails or do online shopping are much happier with their lives than under-50s.

It comes as data from 87,000 people aged 50 or over from 23 countries – including the UK – showed this after they were followed for approximately six years.

The researchers discovered that when internet use was increased, those taking part in the study said they had higher levels of life satisfaction, as well as being in better health.

The over-65s, singletons, those who do not exercise regularly and people who had less money, were found to have the best benefit from internet usage.

However, the team said those who use the internet for long periods of time may see affects with sleep, physical activity and socialising in-person, as well as be subject to fraud and in accurate information.

The study for those under-50 highlighted that the internet can increase anxiety, poor self-esteem, eating disorders and online harassment.

The team wrote in the Nature Human Behaviour journal: “Taken together, our results demonstrate that internet use could be an effective strategy to improve overall mental health in middle-aged and older populations.

“For people in their later life, who often face mobility and activity restrictions, internet use offers a valuable opportunity and an alternative for accessing health-related information.

“It provides an important channel for social connections and online entertainment, all of which can positively impact their mental health.”