Social-networking prevents loneliness in older people

Increasing numbers of older people are turning to social networking to feel less isolated, according to new research.

A report conducted by Pew Research Center found that 35 per cent of adults aged 65 and over are actively using social media, compared to just 11 per cent in 2010.

Previous research has suggested that the use of social media improves older people’s cognitive capacity, increases a sense of self-competence and could have a beneficial overall impact on mental health and physical well-being.

Tony Watts, chairman of the South West Forum on Ageing, said: “The digital divide between the generations is in real danger of becoming a digital gulf, with many older people being left on the wrong side of the revolution that has changed the way society connects and communicates.

“The main barriers for older people have been cost, complexity, fear and relevance. Many people tell me they’ve got on perfectly well in life so far without a computer, why do they need to learn now?

“My belief is that we need to get away from the concept of ‘computers’ – instead using tablets that are intuitive and easy to use – and focusing on apps like Skype that demonstrate immediately to people that being online really can enhance the quality of life.”

The American report was based on 27 surveys and 62,000 interviews from March 2005 to July 2015.

It was revealed that social media usage among those aged 65 and over has more than tripled since 2005 when only two per cent used social media to connect with others.

However, older people still lag behind the younger generation as 90 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds currently use a social media platform to communicate.

Researchers believe that a sudden increase in older people using social media could be due to reconnecting with old friends, reaching out for chronic disease support or a way to bridge generational gaps.

Most recently Age UK revealed that there is a 'loneliness epidemic' sweeping Britain, with the average person over 65 spending more than 100 days alone each year. It is expected that between 2010 and 2060 the number of people aged 65 and over across Europe will grow from 17 per cent to almost 30 per cent of the total population.

Researchers found that those who used social media reported feeling less isolated because of the connections they could make with relatives, friends and people with shared interests. Others reported feeling mentally and physically healthier than before.

Similarly, networks such as Skype and Facebook could be an effective way of alleviating such isolation as many older people can share personal information with family and friends, such as pictures and videos.

Margaret Keohane, a 70-year-old grandmother from Somerset commented on the transformation she had noticed in herself since she had begun to use social media. She said: “It’s brought fun into my life again. It’s changed my life. “Everyone will tell you, I’m a different person. I’ve lost weight. I’ve started taking care of my appearance again. I was slipping away into a slower pace of life but now I feel invigorated.”

Commenting on how loneliness among older people can contribute to poor health, Dr Thomas Morton, researcher at the University of Exeter, said: “Loneliness among older people can contribute to poor health. Human beings are social animals, and it’s no surprise that we tend to do better when we have the capacity to connect with others.

“But what can be surprising is just how important social connections are to cognitive and physical health. People who are socially isolated or who experience loneliness are more vulnerable to disease and decline.”