Depression, Seniors and the Internet

Lindsay, IL Technology Partnership NewsBlog
Published: June 18, 2014

Good news from a study of seniors and the Internet. A six-year study found that retired adults over 50 who regularly use the Internet were “33 percent less likely to be depressed than those who never spent time on the Web.”  The study, “Internet Use and Depression Among Retired Older Adults in the United States: A Longitudinal Analysis,” was published earlier this year in the Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences. The positive effects of Internet use on mental well-being were especially notable in those living alone.

We’ve written before about the many ways tech connects us, with apps that help families and couples communicate across distance. This study reminds us that the connections we make online are real and meaningful in measurable ways.

With a mobile device and access to a reliable network, anyone can now connect to people all over the world. The Internet opens a world of information, and opportunities to interact with those with similar interests. It provides a connection to family and friends. It gives access to opportunities for lifelong learning and news from around the world. 

Especially for those who live alone, and don’t see others in an work environment regularly, these connections can stave off depression. That’s a powerful thing. 

Illinois seniors benefit from strong, modern communications infrastructure. Let’s make sure our policymakers encourage growth so that we can all stay connected. 

Source:

The Washington Post: Using the Internet may forestall depression in older people, study suggests

Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences:

Internet Use and Depression Among Retired Older Adults in the United States: A Longitudinal Analysis

Photo by Robert Scoble