I used a multi-modal search strategy to conduct this literature review, including scholarly databases, grey literature sources, and targeted keyword searches. Following best practices in mental health research, I used both peer-reviewed research and relevant sector-based reports.

Databases and Platforms

• Scholarly Databases: OMNI, ProQuest, PsychINFO, ERIC, PubMed, JMIR Publications, SpringerNature Link, Sage Journals, Statistics Canada and Google Scholar

• Grey Literature: Government and non-profit publications including WHO, Statistics Canada, AARP, NIA, and professional organizations, sector-based reports

• Digital Platforms: websites with middle-aged focus on developmental needs and digital wellness

Inclusion Criteria: 

Peer-reviewed, mental health research, empirical studies, population sample for Middle adulthood to early old age, government sources, current and relevant 

Search Time Frame

Searches were conducted between January 2026 and April 2026 

Keywords

Assignment 1: Personal Introduction

Keywords: mental health, digital wellness, tech use, middle adulthood, 50-70 years, retirement, leisure time, empty nest, sandwich generation

Secondary Keywords: early retirement, transitional retirement, boomerang parent, family lifecycle, developmental tasks, generativity, eudaimonia, identity process theory

Social-Emotional Strategies

Keywords:  self-regulation, emotional regulation, problematic internet use, digital wellness, digital habits

Cognitive Strategies

Keywords: cognitive strategies, critical thinking, digital wellness, adulthood, problematic internet use

AI Mistrust

Keywords: technology use, adulthood, cognitive dissonance, AI, AI technology

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy 

Keywords : Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Adults, problematic internet use, depression