- The study followed thousands of retired Americans for six years
- Found internet use increases social contact and reduces loneliness
- Also found those that live alone most likely to become depressed
- But internet access reduces chances of depression by 30 per cent
09:45 EST, 18 April 2014
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10:12 EST, 18 April 2014
Using the internet can help elderly people combat depression, according to a new report.
It’s estimated that as many as 10 million older Americans suffer from depression, often brought on by feelings of loneliness and isolation.
But the latest research – a project that followed the lives of thousands of retired Americans for six years – found that internet use among the elderly can reduce the chance of becoming depressed by more than 30 per cent.
Using the internet can help elderly people avoid depression, new research suggests
‘That’s a very strong effect,’ said Shelia Cotten, a Michigan State University professor of telecommunication, information studies and media who led the project. ‘And it all has to do with older persons being able to communicate, to stay in contact with their social networks, and just not feel lonely.’
Professor Cotten and her colleagues analysed the data collected by the Health and Retirement Survey, which collected information from more than 22,000 older Americans every two years. This particular sample included more than 3,000 respondents.
‘This is one of the largest and most comprehensive surveys of its kind,’ Professor Cotten said.
Other smaller studies have been inconclusive about the role internet use, and technology in general, play in helping people overcome depression.
One way in which this study was different is it took into consideration the participants’ depression levels before they began using the internet. The researchers wanted to know if past depression affected current depression.
What they found is yes, some people did remain depressed despite internet use, although it wasn’t substantial.
Using the internet can help elderly people stay in touch with friends and family meaning they feel less lonely
‘Internet use continues to reduce depression, even when controlling for that prior depressive state,’ Professor Cotten said.
The researchers also confirmed what was found in other studies: That for older people who live alone, internet use had a greater impact on their levels of depression.
‘This study makes significant contributions to the study of internet use and depression in the older, retired population,’ Professor Cotten said.
She said it all comes down to how you choose to use your technology. As with most things in life, moderation is best.
‘If you sit in front of a computer all day, ignoring the roles you have in life and the things you need to accomplish as part of your daily life, then it’s going to have a negative impact on you,’ Professor Cotten said.
‘But if you’re using it in moderation and you’re doing things that enhance your life, then the impacts are likely to be positive in terms of health and well-being.’
This research is published in the Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences.
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