Can Technology Improve the Mental Health of Older Adults?

Addressing Obstacles To Using New Technology

Younger adults often encounter and learn new technology through work, peers, family, or school. The same cannot be said of older adults.

If older people are not exposed to new technology, they are unlikely to take the initiative to learn how to use it. But technology can help the elderly overcome many issues that impact their mental health, support their emotional well-being, and prevent some symptoms of mental health conditions.

Older people may have physical impairments that make using new technology more challenging. Some older people develop physical conditions, like arthritis. This can make it hard to press small buttons on a phone or other piece of technology. Many senior adults also struggle with vision concerns, which can make it hard to see information on a screen, especially a small screen.

Since many senior adults take an income hit when they retire, the cost of technology can pose an issue. Each new phone is more expensive than the last. The costs of data plans may also vary significantly, and older adults may not understand how using cellular data can lead to unforeseen expenses.

These are just some of the reasons an older adult may resist new technology. With the right help, though, they can overcome their hesitation.

According to Dr. Ipsit Vahia, associate chief of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry at McLean Hospital, with good training and support, older people are as capable as their younger counterparts of picking up new technologies.

Vahia explained how the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, led to large numbers of older adults learning to use devices and adapting to telecommunication platforms. “This proved to be the best way for them to remain connected with family, friends, and networks such as their church,” Vahia said.

Another important obstacle to consider: stigma. Many people may hold beliefs that older individuals struggle to learn how to use basic technology. The older generation is aware of these stereotypes. Some of them fear embarrassment, don’t want to be humiliated, and believe it is easier to avoid the situation.

However, they can enjoy significant benefits if they persevere in learning.

The Benefits of Technology for Mental Health

Regardless of a person’s reason for using technology, simply learning how to use a new app or device can help their mental health.

“We know that remaining engaged in active learning is also protective to cognition and mood,” Vahia said. “Learning a new technology or the use of a new device that someone may not be familiar with represents such new learning. This is an important secondary benefit.”

It is extremely important to teach older adults how to use new technology, as it can benefit their quality of life and protect their mental health. Studies show that using technology can have significant positive impacts, including staying fit, maintaining good financial health, keeping in touch with others, and feeling well-connected.

Exercising can help lessen symptoms from conditions like depression and anxiety. It is a first line treatment recommendation, especially for milder mental health symptoms, which do not respond well to medications.

Technology may help older people protect their mobility and fitness, especially if they have chronic conditions such as arthritis. For example, basic exercises done with guidance from workout apps could help an older adult stay mobile during the day without even leaving the house.

A study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry showed that the more often people test their minds using mental games, the lower their chances of developing significant neurological issues, such as dementia. However, there is no clear consensus on whether online games may help prevent cognitive decline.

“We know that remaining engaged in active learning is also protective to cognition and mood.”
– Dr. Ipsit Vahia

Vahia explained that games that help people remember words, for example, may only help in just that one area of thinking. They may not help people with other aspects of memory, or with functions, such as planning.

When considering online games to help keep one’s mind sharp, older adults can focus on playing games they find enjoyable. In addition, they should incorporate other forms of prevention in their lives, such as movement, socializing, and a healthy diet.

Social isolation can be a significant factor in loneliness and depression. Older adults can use technology to stay in touch with their family members and friends. Communication technologies have proven to be especially useful for older people because they can help lessen feelings of isolation.

With videoconferencing, senior adults can have video calls with their siblings, children, and grandchildren. They can feel a level of involvement in the everyday lives of loved ones. If older people can have engaging conversations with their children and grandchildren, they will have an easier time staying connected and keeping their minds sharp.

As with any technology and any age group, it’s important for the elderly to understand data privacy and security. While all technology users are at some level of risk, senior adults may be especially vulnerable to loss of privacy, identity theft, or other negative technology related outcomes.