Science Daily reports that older adults who have access to smart phones, tablets, and computers may have better health, compared with those who don’t.
Louis Medvene, a professor from Wichita State University and his team of graduate students asked several senior citizens about their relationship with other people. They were then shown and taught how to use a custom software specifically designed to make computer manipulation easier for them.
The response to computer learning was overwhelming: about 85 percent of the older adults who participated in the study were willing to learn how to use the device. However, only 25 percent were regular users, while 42 percent of the participants were at risk for social isolation.
Researchers believe that access to technology may help lessen such negative emotions, which according to Live Science, may be linked to the hardening of arteries, inflammation, heart attack, and stroke.
Need more proof that technology may be beneficial to older adults? A previous study also notes that online games such as World of Warcraft may improve the mental health of older adults.
(Photo by Joxe Aranzabal via Flickr Creative Commons)
