For some people, the
New
Year brings new concerns about the elderly folks in their
lives. If that's you, here's something you should know: The
internet strengthens the brains of even older people. Middle-
aged and older adults with little Internet experience were
able to trigger key centers in the brain that control decision-
making and complex reasoning after just one week of
surfing
the web. Use of the
internet could be one of the main reasons why
IQ's are rising.
But while more older adults than ever are using cell phones
and computers, a technology gap still exists that threatens
to turn senior citizens into second-class citizens.
Psychologists have found that both the attitudes and abilities
of older adults pose barriers to adopting new forms of
technology and urged designers to consider those barriers
when developing new products. This is especially important
for older folks, since from booking airline tickets to seeking
health care information, almost everything is easier, cheaper
or faster online. Neil Charness says, "The technology gap is a
problem because technology, particularly computer and
internet technology, is becoming ubiquitous, and full
participation in society becomes more difficult for those
without such access."
It may take him longer, but Gramps can do it: Researcher
Gary Small says, "We found that for older people with minimal
experience, performing Internet searches for even a relatively
short period of time can change brain activity patterns and
enhance function."
So get Granny a computer! Researcher Teena D. Moody
says, "[Our study] results suggest that searching online may
be a simple form of brain exercise that might be employed to
enhance cognition in older adults."
One thing that older folks always enjoy is a
good
radio show and they'll also like using their computers for an
interesting conversation. Our next chat will take place on
January 6, and all you need to do to get them started is to
subscribe
today!
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click here and
here.
Art credit: Dreamstime.com
