Objective:To investigate the mediating effect of social interaction on the relationship between internet use and the health status of the elderly.The findings of this research can potentially contribute new insights into improving the health status of the elderly population.Methods:Based on the data from the Chinese General Social Survey(CGSS)in 2021, a total of 2 675 elderly individuals aged 60 and above were included in the study.The researchers analyzed the linear regression relationship between Internet use, social interaction, and the health status of the elderly using a hierarchical regression model.Additionally, a mediation effect test was conducted using the Bootstrap test.Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis of the mediation effect was performed considering factors such as gender, place of residence, working conditions, and physical exercise among the elderly participants.Results:The total effect value was 0.170.The direct effect of Internet use on the health status of older adults was 0.160(95% CI: 0.078-0.240), accounting for 93.66% of the effect value.The indirect effect of social interaction was 0.011(95% CI: 0.003-0.021), accounting for 6.34% of the effect value.The mediating effect of social interaction on the health status of older adults varied among different groups.Among female elderly, rural elderly, elderly who are currently unemployed, and those who are physically active, the mediating effects were 5.16%, 7.86%, 10.18%, and 9.91%, respectively. Conclusions:The impact of internet use and social interaction on the health status of the elderly is notably positive.Additionally, social interaction partially mediates the relationship between internet use and the health status of the elderly.