The phrase “screen time” does not necessarily evoke a positive connotation.
In fact, screen time warnings are plentiful, urging parents to separate children of all ages from their devices, advocate health advocates, and even suggest that adults will limit their time staring at their phones, computers, tablets, and TVs.
When it comes to adults who are older or retired online, there are legitimate concerns, from scams designed to steal retirement savings to catfishing for romance on dating sites. However, like almost all technologies, it has its drawbacks and fortunately benefits.
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Is screen time good for people over 50 years old?
A study published in Nature Human Behavior suggests that older adults can enjoy significant health benefits when using technology. In fact, normal use of devices can play an important role in reducing the likelihood of dementia and common cognitive decline.
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Baylor University collaborated to conduct a large-scale meta-analysis of 57 prior studies, including more than 411,000 adults aged 50 and older.
The goal was to investigate the “digital dementia hypothesis.” This assumes that lifetimes of technology exposure will undermine the cognitive abilities of this cohort. This theory’s test is particularly pressing, considering that “first generations working in digital technology have reached an age where dementia risk appears.”
Surprisingly, new research suggests that this hypothesis is false. In fact, not only did the technology involvement increase the risk of dementia, it also had a significant positive impact on the brain health of the study participants.
Using digital devices has been found to actually reduce the risk of cognitive impairment by up to 58%. This benefit was surprising, resulting in a greater reduction than lowering blood pressure (13%), higher education (47%), or brain game play (31%).
Positive changes caused by device use were observed in individuals aged 50-65 and older than 65 years. The impact of device use on the brain was strong, both when reviewing studies covering short time windows and when examining multi-year studies.
This correlation between technology use and improved brain health was still present after considering other potential factors, such as individuals’ financial status, overall health, background, and lifestyle factors.
Why does technology help maintain cognitive function?
The researchers provided several possible explanations as to why Screen Time is actually suitable for older people. Specifically, our relationship with technology is as follows:
Challenge your mind with the new LearningFacilations Social Connections that promote problem-solving thinking
Collectively, these benefits may help the brain to better resist damage, form multiple pathways, thereby establishing a “technical reserve” that can withstand age-related declines.
Technology can help establish a “digital scaffolding” and create digital systems that support older Americans as they age by providing important reminders. This includes alerts to take your medication on time and pay your bills on time. These reminders help older people stay independent for longer as the device acts as a virtual assistant.
Given all these potential benefits, the idea of ​​increasing screen time as a health benefit rather than a disadvantage doesn’t seem to be out of scope.
“Our data suggests that older adults will encourage technology engagement, particularly in ways that support challenges, connections and compensation for cognitive issues. It could be a powerful approach to promoting cognitive health.”
It is unclear whether the findings will be retained when studying younger generations who were exposed to high-tech devices at a much earlier age than this current cohort, but the clear positive correlation between device use and good brain health is great news that now has a big excuse to spend time on their favorite devices. It’s good for their health.
