[BITList] Fwd: Energize Ageing Minds

[John Feltham]

  Internet "surfing" Energize Aging Minds

A recent study by UCLA scientists reports that Internet "surfing" by  
middle-aged and older adults triggers centers in the brain that  
control complex reasoning and decision-making.  The study claims that  
Web-searching activity stimulates-- and possibly improves--brain  
functioning.

The study is the first to examine the impact of Internet searching on  
brain performance.  UCLA professor Dr. Gary Small, the study's  
principal investigator, says, "The study results are encouraging.   
(Emerging) computerized technologies may have physiological effects  
and potential benefits for middle-aged and older adults.  Internet  
searching engages complicated brain activity, which may help exercise  
and improve brain function."

Mind-stimulating activities-- crossword puzzles, card games, and even  
common jigsaw puzzles--can stimulate and preserve seniors' brain  
health and cognitive ability.  Technology is a particularly attractive  
way to boost this kind of brain performance, and the UCLA study  
demonstrates that scientists are increasingly intrigued by the  
beneficial byproducts of computer usage, including the Internet.

The UCLA study team worked with 24 neurologically normal research  
volunteers between the ages of 55 and 76.   Age, educational level and  
gender were similar between the two groups.  One-half of the study  
participants had used the Internet, while the other half had not.

The results of Internet searching by the participants revealed a major  
difference between the groups.  Seniors with some Internet background  
registered brain activity in areas controlling decision-making and  
complex reasoning.  Indeed, the researchers discovered that the  
volunteers with previous experience registered a two-fold increase in  
brain activation as compared with those who had no Internet familiarity.

The UCLA study revealed that the Internet's depth and variety of  
choices require users to make decisions about subjects to click on in  
order to discover more information.  This kind of activity engages  
certain important cognitive brain circuitry in a way that reading, for  
example, does not.  "A simple, everyday task like searching the Web  
appears to enhance brain circuitry in older adults, demonstrating that  
our brains are sensitive and can continue to learn as we grow older,"  
UCLA's Small concludes.

"The study ought to comfort the 76 million members of the Baby Boom  
generation.  Studies have shown that the possibility of Alzheimer's  
and other dementia is the Boomers' greatest fear.  Knowing that their  
everyday Internet usage could delay--or even prevent--the onset of  
dementia should alleviate some of this concern," observes Kathleen  
Harmon, Chief Executive Officer of Great Places, an Internet website  
that provides guidance for Baby Boomers who are increasingly  
responsible for their aging parents, including making decisions about  
moving into a senior housing setting from the family home.

"Vastly more important are the ramifications of the study for the  
senior housing industry, Harmon suggests.  "If, in fact, the Internet  
can help the elderly continue to learn as they age, while at the same  
time stimulating their brain functions, why not outfit with broadband  
coverage?  And maybe there should be computer workstations in these  
senior projects where volunteers could teach residents how to 'surf'  
the Net.  The UCLA study convinces me that the Internet could  
revolutionize senior housing."



ooroo

Bad typists of the word, untie.




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