Seniors Using the Internet: The Benefits
The Internet has improved the lives of people everywhere – whether it is students, businesses, or people looking to socialize. It has clearly helped businesses increase sales, and provided a quick way for students to learn and gather information. It benefits the social lives of young adults seeking love or relationships. Google makes it simple to look up a recipe, a famous singer, a historical date, or a local restaurant. These benefits may seem apparent and evident, however the Internet also contains certain benefits to seniors that may not be as obvious.
Photo Credit | 123RF | @ Paul Mcguire
The Internet has a positive effect on seniors:
• Fight Depression
• Build Closer Relationships
• Improve their Cognitive Activity
• Find Information
• Indirectly Promotes their Physical Health
It is common for seniors to find themselves feeling blue, mainly due to their lack of communication with friends and families. As we get older, our children have grown up and created their own lives. They may even have their own children who are active with sports and dance recitals. Birthday parties and family trips consume their nights and weekends, which often leaves elderly parents with feelings of isolation.
Seniors need to stay in touch with friends and family to combat this feeling of isolation. This is easy to do through social networks, as opposed to phone calls and visitations. Let’s face it – younger generations would rather text or send an instant message, rather than pick up the phone and call grandma!
Social networks can help seniors reconnect with old friends and even build new friendships. There are private social media groups for seniors in specific areas or for seniors with certain interests to help connect local elders. Neighborhood bingo fights depression? I think yes!
With the help of the Internet, there has been a 30% reduction in depression in seniors.
There is a learning process for seniors using social media sites, along with informational groups or workshops which help increase inter-generational communication. 73% of seniors use Facebook to communicate with out of town relatives or with friends that do not live locally. Internet usage, from the smallest Google search to having an up-and-running Facebook account, increases activities in areas of the brain that facilitate memory and decision making.
Seniors ranging from 55 to 78 showed an improved cognitive function – just from using the Web on a daily basis!
The Internet may not directly improve physical health, considering it mainly involves sitting at a computer being sedentary. However, it does indirectly promote a healthier lifestyle. Websites such as fitness blogs, the YMCA website, and wellness promotions often target seniors on the Internet and create advertisements catered to them. Many social networks include doctors, nurses, and nutritionists who are promoting exercise and healthy eating. The Web is full of health and well being advice, information, and tips that can benefit senior citizens and keep them active and strong.
“People without the Internet are at a real disadvantage.” Seniors using the Internet on a daily basis admit to strongly feeling as if the Internet makes it easier to find information and stay connected.
With all of these benefits, it’s time to make sure that mom and dad have access to the Internet. Some seniors may struggle to use the Internet at first – often becoming discouraged. But if they take the time to learn, they will live a happier and healthier life.