The Internet - Where Grey Hair Meets Purple Hair

Ok the word is out...the internet is good for seniors.

The Phoenix Center for Advanced Legal and Economic Studies is a think tank that studies public policy issues that focus on social and economic conditions with an emphasis on the economics of the telecommunications and high tech industries. They examined the survey responses of 7,000 retired Americans 55 and older and the results are enlightening.

The final results showed that spending time online reduces depression by 20 percent for senior citizens. In addition to the quality of life benefits, the Center said that reducing the incidence of depression by widespread internet use among older Americans could trim the nation's health care bill. Wow!!! Having seniors learn new skills, computer that is, has been sited here in earlier posts as a defense against dementia and Alzheimer's and now it is shown to cut depression also. But don't get too giddy about lowering the nation's health care bill because I am sure the Federal Government will find other uses for the savings.

We in the senior care business know that maintaining relationships with family and friends at a time of life when mobility becomes increasingly limited is challenging for the elderly. The use of social networking sites like Facebook have become increasing popular with seniors allowing them to remain connected with far flung family and friends. Pictures or even videos are posted allowing the elderly to see their grandchildren in upstate New York or their friend's new poodle in Boca Raton. The study does say that only about 42 percent of Americans aged 65 and older are on line but I think that will go up as the news spreads.

This is all really good news for our seniors. As they age they face the loss of their car. Sometimes this is voluntary but sometimes it is forced on them by licensing agencies or by their family. This loss means loss of their independence and many times their friends are going through the same thing so their social network and support group is crumbling. Through the internet and social networking websites the elderly get a feeling of connectedness and community when face to face interaction is not possible.

But there is a dark side to this also. We all know how seniors are prime targets for scams through the mail, telephone and door to door. So we have to have some monitoring of their activity and continual reminders about that they should safeguard their identity, passwords, account information and other information that thieves might need to bilk your loved one.

So I say have fun seniors and wait till you play Modern Warfare 2, that will get your heart going!

Michael Simpson is Director of Visiting Angels in Peoria, AZ. They are a home care company providing non-medical in home care for seniors allowing them to stay in their home without going to a assisted living facility. Simpson is in direct daily contact with his caregivers and care recipients and is close to the issues and problems that seniors have to face. Simpson is available for speaking engagements. The company phone number is 623-266-9304 and the website is azangelcare.com azangelcare.com and can also be found on Face Book at facebook.com/azseniorcare facebook.com/azseniorcare