Elderly need lessons on internet surfing as it plays vital role in fighting memory loss and dementia

Older people urgently need lessons in how to use the internet, which can play a vital role in preventing the degeneration of mental abilities in the elderly.

London Bridge Hospital has joined forces with Adblock Plus, which blocks and filters ads on the internet, in calling for more education of the elderly, particularly in terms of keeping safe when using the internet and social media.

Their calls comes in the wake of an eight-year study of 50-90 year-olds, which revealed that those who regularly go online experience less mental decline compared to those who do not use the internet.

The study, published in the Journal of Gerontology, reported a significant improvement in delayed recall over time for people who were frequent online users.

Dr Tom Stevens, consultant psychiatrist at London Bridge Hospital, said: “People over the age of 65 must remember the phrase 'use it or lose it’, and the internet is a good way to ensure that older people are still able to use their mental faculties.

“The internet and information technology offers some of the best opportunities to challenge people of this age-group, as it provides a means of communication and convenience, and is something that they can take part in despite any disabilities they may have.”

Ben Williams, head of operations at Adblock Plus, said: “We mustn’t forget that with more older people using the internet, they must be informed about the choices they have online. With no experience of online advertising, constant blinking banners and pop-up adverts could spoil the internet for them, making them think it is a tasteless and unmanageable jungle, and put them off the whole experience.

“Plus, there are online risks that specifically target older users, such as phishing scams, or promotions of miraculous and discount medication, and low-cost insurance, and it is our responsibility to ensure that older people aren’t ignorant about these. Basic lessons in how to stay safe and not put yourself in danger of online scams and viruses is essential.

“Everyone in society – those both young and old – should be able to use the internet to stay in touch with others, for instance by sharing photos on social media with more distant family, and catching up with old friends. Any communication, whether it be face-to-face or digital, enables people to feel connected, and basic digital skills give people this opportunity.”