Digital technologies have long been a risk to mental health in old age – wrongly, as current research shows.
Digital technologies promote cognitive health in old age
A comprehensive meta-analysis, published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, has shown that the use of digital technologies such as computers, smartphones and tablets is associated with a significantly reduced risk of cognitive impairments in humans aged 50. The analysis included data from over 411,000 people with an average age of 69 years. The results show that digital activities are actively and targeted that can support mental fitness in old age.
The researchers introduced the concept of the “technological reserve”, which describes how to deal with digital technologies can build cognitive reserves. Similar to how physical activity strengthens physical health, the active use of technology can promote mental health.
Active use instead of passive consumption
The study emphasizes that the mere screen time is not decisive, but the type of use. Active activities such as solving digital puzzles, writing emails or video calls with family and friends promote cognitive health. These activities challenge the brain and contribute to the preservation of mental performance. In contrast, passive media consumption, such as the mere reputation of videos, offers no comparable advantages.
In addition, active use of digital technologies can help to manage everyday tasks more efficiently. For example, calendar apps or memory functions of older people can help organize their daily activities better and thus maintain their independence. Such applications not only promote cognitive activity, but also strengthen self -confidence in dealing with digital aids.
Social interaction through digital communication
Digital means of communication can help reduce social isolation in old age. Video telephony, emails and messenger services enable older people to stay in contact with their social environment, which in turn has positive effects on mental health. However, the study points out that excessive consumption of social media can also have negative effects, especially if it replaces personal encounters.
In addition, digital platforms of older people can offer new opportunities to establish social contacts and find communities that correspond to their interests. Online groups or forums on hobbies and topics that inspire you enable exchange with like-minded people and thus promote the feeling of belonging. Such virtual communities can be a valuable addition to existing social networks and increase well -being in old age.
Technological reserve as a new concept
Similar to how physical activity strengthens physical health, the active use of technology can promote mental health – according to the idea behind the concept of the “technological reserve”. This applies in particular to the generation, which only came into contact with digital technologies in adulthood and had to continuously adapt to new developments.
However, the study emphasizes that not all forms of technology use are equally advantageous. While active engagement, such as learning new software or solving complex tasks that can strengthen cognitive reserve, offers passive consumption, such as endless scrolling through social media, no comparable advantages. It is therefore important to focus on sensible and challenging digital activities in order to promote mental health in old age.
D. Maier / Redaktion Finanzen.net
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