Seniors and Computers

For sixty-one year old Heidi Hertwig, e-mail has become her life-line to her family. “Everyone else in my family has email and they’re far away so I can e-mail now,” says Heidi. Heidi is just one of many senior citizens who are becoming hooked on technology. In fact, according to research presented at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association, seniors who become adept at and use a computer appear to have fewer depressive symptoms than those older adults who aren’t so technologically connected. “Seniors who use the computers really feel better about their lives, about themselves,” Dr. Kathleen Triche of Village Care of New York.

The data regarding computer use and depressive symptoms was collected as part of the latest wave of an ongoing study designed to determine the changes over time in physical health, mental health and social activity of older adults. "Many people look for health information, information about pharmacy, drugs, Medicare issues. Others will e-mail their grandchildren or friends across the country and plan vacations," says Dr. Triche.

Researchers say that e-mail, chat rooms and health information gathering are not only keeping seniors mentally sharp, but it’s also helping them battle feelings of loneliness and isolation. "The world wide web is phenomenal because all you have to do is push a button now and you have information all over the world, where ever and through e-mail, you can send it anywhere, I think it’s a fascinating tool," sixty-eight year old Phil Sauers.

 Heidi admits feeling apprehensive when she first started using the computer. But, now she considers herself a pro. "I feel more connected with the rest of the world."

The study included 206 adults over the age of 65, the mean age being 80. And along with the link between computer use and fewer depressive symptoms, the study also found that computer users in this group tended to be younger, have higher incomes and report higher functioning in daily living activities.Researchers would also like to collect data in the future using more diverse populations and go outside an urban community like Manhattan.

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