New York (That Happened!) - New research suggests that middle-aged and older adults should spend more time on-line. The study found that searching the internet can stimulate the parts of the brain that control memory, language and reading. Keeping these parts of the brain active could help prolong the cognitive function of the aging brain.
Researches from the Center on Aging at the University of California in Los Angeles studied 24 people between 55 and 76-years-old. Half of the participants were not experienced at using the internet; the other half had web experience.
The brain activity of the participants was measured while they completed web searches and read passages from books. Researchers found that surfing the web activated the same parts of the brain as reading a book did. However, the activation was twice as great in those who were comfortable using the internet as apposed to those who were not internet users.
Researchers concluded that searching for information on the internet is more challenging than simply reading a book. Actively using the internet imparts the same benefit as the mind-puzzles often recommended by neurologists – longevity.
The study, which was co-authored by Gary Small, UCLA professor of neuroscience, will be published in the next issue of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
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