Computer use by Seniors: it helps

Recently, WebMD reported the results of a study conducted at the Arizona Mayo Clinic. The study’s author, Dr. Janina Krell-Roesch, found that computer use may help to ward off age-related declines in memory and thinking.

The study does not conclude exactly how: there may be a variety of reasons, such as computer use being a stimulating experience for the brain.

A total of 1,900 seniors, all over aged 70, participated in the study. None had any diagnosed memory or thinking problems. They were followed for about four years.

One of the study’s results is that computer use at least once per week was linked to a 42% drop in risk for memory/thinking problems.

Of the seniors who did use a computer, only 18% developed mild cognitive impairment (MCI), whereas 31% who did not use a computer developed MCI.

The study’s findings were presented in April at the American Academy of Neurology Annual meeting in Vancouver.

This is a good study on first glance, providing further evidence of the importance and value of staying active regardless of age.

This ad ran in the Richmond News on March 11, 2016.