To start this assignment, I had to read a quick blurb about the difference between the words “aging” and “aging”, talking about which countries each form is used in. After this, I read 9 research abstracts discussing the positive effects of internet use on the cognitive, physical, and psychological aspects of aging. We then read a report presenting five barriers that older adults face in using digital technology and the Internet, and five positive attitudes that older adults have about digital technology and the Internet. Finally, we had to make a discussion board post discussing one of the 5 barriers or 5 positive attitudes mentioned in the report (I chose positive attitudes), referencing at least 5 of the abstracts, and discussing what positive effects the older adult is likely to experience based on the positive attitude I chose.
As mentioned before, the nine research abstracts all dive into the various positive effects of internet use on older adults. I do not think it would be very realistic to dive deeply into every article, but I will list some of the positive impacts that were listed. These include enhanced social connectivity, reduced loneliness, decreased incidences of IADL impairment, better health, lower chronic disease, better social integration, higher well-being, increased self efficacy, social support, maintained health literacy, increased cancer preventative behaviors, and reduced cognitive decline. From this, it is clear that the list could go on and on, and that internet use can positively influence aging adults in many ways.
The Pew Research Center Report mentioned 5 barriers toward older adults’ technology use, including things such as not being confident in using or learning it, they need others to show them how to use it, and some face physical challenges that would make it hard to use the devices. They also mentioned 5 positive attitudes on digital technology, including that most make the internet part of their daily routine, those who use social media tend to be highly active, some play video games, and most feel that technology has made a mostly positive impact on society.
In my discussion board post, the positive attitude listed in the Pew study I referenced was that older adults that use social media “tend to be highly active and engaged. For instance, fully 70% of older adults who use Facebook indicate that they log in to the service on a daily basis”. Because of this positive attitude, there are many positive effects that older adults will likely experience, which were mentioned in the abstracts read for this assignment.
For example, the Czaja et al. (2017) abstract details that access to technology applications can reduce loneliness and increase social connectivity. So, using social media such as Facebook would lead to both of these positive effects, since it is a technology application.
Additionally, according to the Elliot et al. (2014) abstract, more frequent technology use was associated with better executive function and well-being, and lower risk of serious disease. So, this shows how social media use can keep physical health up, while also positively impacting mental health.
Also, the Erickson and Johnson (2011) abstract explained that internet use and self-efficacy were related. So, utilizing sites such as Facebook can allow older people to believe in themselves more, both in terms of their technology use capabilities and in general!
Fourth, Jinmoo et al. (2015) showcased that higher levels of internet use were related to more social support, less loneliness, better life satisfaction and well-being. This echoes an earlier article which also mentioned less loneliness. Also, social media such as Facebook can allow older adults to get this support because they can stay in contact with friends and family that they may not have gotten to interact with as much otherwise.
One more example of a positive effect from this positive attitude is from Xavier et al. (2013). It showed that internet was associated with cancer-preventive behaviors, such as more physical activity, and eating more fruits and vegetables. This effect is very large, as it can allow older people to avoid obstacles that may shorten their lifespan.
These are just five examples, however, it is clear that being highly active and engaged on the internet and social media more specifically can lead to many positive outcomes for older people!
Reflecting on this assignment, I really enjoyed reading about the vast benefits of internet use on aging adults. I had heard about a couple of them previously, but most of them were completely new to me, so I was happily surprised! Especially since I have relatives that are in their 70’s like my grandma and my grammy, this makes me want to talk to them about making sure they get involved with the internet in some way.
Additionally, I do like how the report mentioned both barriers and positive attitudes towards internet use in aging adults. Since everything else we read previously was so focused around the positive aspects of internet use, is was important to learn that not all adults have access to the internet or do not feel confident in using it. It gave me a clearer picture that things are not always perfect, even if it generally has positive results.
Also, I think it was helpful that we had to reference 5 abstracts in our discussion board post. While it was a bit of a pain, it allowed me to remember a greater number of specific outcomes than if I would not have had to reference the articles. Seeing the information for a second time really solidified it in my head and allowed me to be confident in my comprehension of it!
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