By Eve Glicksman, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth
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Anne rarely got out anymore due to knee problems. As a widow on her own, days went by when she didn't see anyone. Her adult children phoned weekly, but that didn't fill up the empty days.
For her 76th birthday, Anne's children bought her a computer. They set it up and enrolled her in one of many classes today that teach computer skills to older adults. Anne was hesitant at first, but within weeks, she had made friends around the world. She couldn't wait to get up each day to read her e-mail.
For seniors who are isolated, lonely or homebound, the Internet can open up new vistas. Being part of an online social network can bring purpose to those who are bored or depressed. Others discover that Internet access can lead to information that improves their health. Many who are wired just say it makes them feel more "with it."
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How seniors use the Internet
Many Web sites have sprung up to cater to older adult needs, whether to meet other single seniors or offer retirement guidance. Among people 65 and older, one in three uses the Internet regularly.
The top uses of the Internet in people 73 and older are:
- Online searches, including news, product research and financial information
- E-mail and photo sharing with family and friends
- Research on health and medical topics
Other common activities of "silver surfers" include:
- Sharing and finding recipes
- Chat rooms, related to hobbies or special interests
- Getting information about Medicare and Medicaid
- Genealogy and family tree research
- Online games and puzzles
- Managing investments
- Shopping
- Making travel plans
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Social support and more
Topping the list, older adults value the ease of the Internet for staying connected with grandkids and distant loved ones. Along with e-mail, one in four uses Instant Message (IM) to chat with family and friends.
Many seniors pursue hobbies and interests like gardening or antiques in online forums. Some use a laptop to play bridge or video games online. Others rely on Web sites that offer coping support for grief, caregiving or other personal concerns.
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Computers can transform the lives of seniors who are disabled or homebound. Many modifications can make computers accessible to people with various disabilities. This allows those who are housebound to meet new people, pay their own bills and even order groceries and medications online for home delivery.
Not surprisingly, researchers found that people who learned computer skills in their later years showed increased confidence and self-esteem.
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Health benefits
Among wired seniors, two thirds have used the Web to seek health information. Seniors visiting myOptumHealth.com took advantage of the Symptom Checker, online calculators and tools, and the site's Seniors' Health Hub. Online support groups help many older adults cope with various illnesses and conditions. Some people even use their computers to set up "memory prompts" to take pills.
Online socializing may pay off, too. Researchers report that staying socially connected may offer some protection against motor function decline with age. Seniors who had the most social activity in their lives saw the lowest decline in motor skills over five years.
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More impressive, using online medical resources was shown to improve the health care of people with chronic conditions. A Pew Foundation study reported that what people learned online affected their treatment decisions, how they interacted with doctors, their coping skills and lifestyle practices. These Internet users asked their doctors more questions, sought second opinions and managed their pain more effectively than others.
Computers offer mental stimulation, too, which is especially valuable for older adults. Keeping your mind active can help preserve memory and may even help you live longer, according to studies on centenarians.
If you haven't logged in yet, it may be time to join the cyber-party. No equipment? Note that many people can access the Web from a computer in their local library.
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