It's undeniable that young people are often glued to their personal devices, but not everyone knows that even users aged 60 to 80, or older, are increasing their time using smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices.
According to a report by the Pew Research Center (data used by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), the amount of time Americans aged 60 and older spend using personal mobile devices has increased by nearly 30 minutes per day compared to a decade ago. "Screen time for those in their 60s, 70s, 80s and older is increasing regardless of gender or education level. Meanwhile, the time older adults spend on activities like reading and socializing is declining," the Pew report concludes.
Older users are spending more time looking at phones and tablets than before.
Abbie Richie, founder and CEO of the tech support company Senior Savvy, argues that many older adults seem unaware of how long they've been looking at screens, and are not conscious of how "attached" they are to technology. "Their bodies also release dopamine and have the same FOMO (fear of missing out) as younger people," Abbie says.
Dopamine is a hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter, affecting brain regions that produce feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, motivation, and other effects in controlling behavior, memory, mood, concentration, etc.
Richie also expressed concern that a lack of physical activity due to frequent screen time could weaken the health and well-being of older adults. She argued that obesity, eye strain, and physical and social isolation are "side effects" of excessive use of mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Some might argue that for elderly people living alone, using phones and tablets can help alleviate feelings of loneliness by allowing them to interact with others online, but that's only part of the emotional response. This interaction can be counterproductive in many cases, for example, a grandmother who can't attend her grandchild's birthday or a family vacation might watch videos sent to her or posted online where everyone is happy and "wish she were here." In such situations, feelings of loneliness intensify and turn into regret.
Source link
Comment (0)