Seniors: With Facebook against loneliness

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MunichSkype, e-mail, Facebook and Co. are not just for young people. People over 60 also benefit when they use social media: The exchange with others via digital networks improves their mental abilities, strengthens the feeling of their own competence and improves their general well-being. This was shown by the evaluation of a two-year project called Ages 2.0, which was carried out in parallel in England and Italy.

The scientists included 240 elderly people in need of care in their study. The participants were between 60 and 95 years old. Some of them were cared for at home, others in nursing homes. The subjects were divided into a training group and a control group.

Computer training from 60 plus

Only the participants in the training group were given a computer with internet access for twelve months. They also received a 3-month training course in which they learned to use the computers.

Over time, the participants in the training group developed an increasingly positive attitude towards computers and enjoyed the opportunity to use them. Above all, the subjects liked the interaction via Skype and email. Many were also proud of a "like" on Facebook. Margaret Keohone, a participant on the project said, "For many of us, computer training has given us a whole new appreciation for ourselves as we age."

Humans are social animals

Dr. Thomas Morton from the University of Exeter, who led the England project, does not find this surprising: “We are better off when we have the opportunity to maintain contact with others. People are just social animals, "says. People who have meaningful social interaction are generally healthier, happier, and live longer, according to the experts.

The project leaders had hoped that social media could counteract the possible isolation or loneliness of older people. And that actually seems to work: The training group felt more competent, was more socially active and generally felt more comfortable. She also showed improved mental performance.

Social media for physical health too

"The positive influence of social interaction on physical health is also particularly remarkable," explains Morton. It is particularly important to support older people in the use of new technologies and thus to do something for their health and well-being.

If older people can find their way around the digital world well, strategies could also be developed to promote their health without being there - for example via Skype or email contact with their doctor or nurse. According to the experts, more people could possibly grow old at home with digital help.

According to them, the aging population will be a challenge for our society. The experts expect that by 2060 the proportion of people over 60 in Europe will rise to almost 30 percent of the total population. For some of them, personal interaction is very difficult or even impossible due to physical, mental and emotional limitations. The Internet offers alternative ways of interaction. (vv)

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