Much has been reported on the harms of extended internet usage, especially on children, teens, and young adults, but it turns out that use of the internet benefits older adults, especially their mental health.
Regular What’s App messages from my 81-year-old mom who lives in New Delhi, India, are a source of pleasure, reassurance, and relief for me. From daily greetings and updates about her and my 87-year-old dad’s health and occasional pictures and reels to inspirational quotes and jokes, I look forward to her communications.
In return, I am easily able to share news from my end with her. Besides the latest pictures and videos of me my children, which she welcomes with enthusiasm and responds to with heart emojis in every color, I can also easily share health-related news that I find relevant for her and my dad. Recently, she taught herself how to send voice messages and left me those, too. Video calls are a blessing as well.
News about internet use and devices often spotlights its downsides, especially on mental and emotional health, safety concerns, and fomenting emotions on edgy political and social issues, but internet and technology use amongst older adults has numerous advantages.
Confirming how the internet benefits older adults
Researchers recently found that use of the internet benefits older adults. Specifically, it was associated with improved mental health in adults aged 50 and older from nearly two dozen countries. The study, published in “Nature Human Behavior,” analyzed data from six longitudinal studies, including more than 87,000 adults. Overall, internet use – such as sending or receiving emails, making purchases, or searching for information – was associated with fewer depressive symptoms, higher life satisfaction, and better self-reported health over a median follow-up of six years.
In the US, England, and China, a higher frequency of internet usage among older adults has been related to better mental health. The mean age of older adults in this study was (68.52 ± 5.97) and the mean internet use score was (1.12 hrs ± 1.63 hrs).
The study concluded that internet use benefits older adults’ mental health, including lowering depression and improving cognition. The findings emphasize that it is essential to encourage older adults to use the internet and actively integrate into the digital society. Internet use amongst the 50+ demographic has shown to promote wise aging while sharing the fruits of technological development.
My mother is also a pro in using a search engine and reads the latest news online. She keeps in touch with relatives, neighbors and friends via messaging tools and video calls. Studies have shown that various digital tools can help foster meaningful connections when used intentionally and technology-based interventions can improve social connectedness in older adults. Video calls, messaging apps, and online communities allow retirees to stay in touch, seek support and maintain meaningful relationships, even across long distances.
While these tools and apps are most effective for strengthening existing ties, such as reconnecting with old school or college friends or work colleagues, they can also help expand social networks.
Digital health is now front and center to all consumers in the US. More than half of Americans (58%) used virtual care in the past year. How people engage with health tech depends a lot on their age demographic. From Gen Z to the Silent Generation, Americans are using digital health in their own unique ways, according to a report from Rockhealth, a digital health company.
By thoughtfully and carefully embracing technology, including social media, older adults can turn being online and using technology into a bridge rather than a barrier, ensuring that distance or life changes don’t lead to isolation and loneliness.
But since many apps are rife with scams targeting older adults and others may stir distrust or discord, being careful and using common sense (especially with financial transactions) and not sharing personal information on unknown sites is key to online safety.
Related: New Technology to Benefits Seniors and Their Families