In a preliminary study
of older adults aged 68 to 91, researchers out of the University of
Arizona noticed a 25 percent improvement in tasks related to working memory
among new Facebook users.
Participants were
divided into three groups. In the first, 14 seniors were trained to use the
social media platform and were asked to post at least once day. Participants
were instructed to befriend people within the group. A second group of 14
adults was instructed to use an online diary site, in which entries were kept
private with no ability to share. Participants were instructed to post entries
of no more than three to five sentences -- to mimic the length of status
updates on Facebook -- a minimum of once daily. And the third group, which
acted as a control group,were told they were on a non-existent
"waiting list."
Prior to learning any
new technologies, study participants, who ranged in age from 68 to 91,
completed a series of questionnaires and neuropsychological tests measuring
social variables, such as their levels of loneliness and social support, as
well as their cognitive abilities. The assessments were done again at the end
of the study, eight weeks later.
By the end of the
experiment, those who learned how to use Facebook showed a 25 percent
improvement in mental "updating" skills -- the ability to quickly add
or delete contents of their working memory -- researchers noted. Participants
in the other groups saw no significant change in performance.
"There's also a
large body of literature showing that people who are more socially engaged are
less lonely, have more social support and are more socially integrated are also
doing better cognitively in older age," points out lead author
Janelle Wohltmann.
Wohltmann says
she also sees Facebook as a potential alternative to some online games marketed
to seniors to help boost mental acuity. “This might be a new activity for
people to learn that’s more interesting and keeps them socially engaged,” she
said, adding that it can also help older adults stay connected with
grandchildren and other family and friends.
Meanwhile, another
study published last year in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and
Social Networking found that visiting social networking sites like Facebook
provided positive emotional experiences, as measured by breathing rates, brain
activation and pupil dilation.
We here at the Fairfax Elder Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C. are pleased to see the social and cognitive advantages
of social networking sites, such as Facebook. Now that you are posting
pictures of your cruise, playing Candy Crush Saga with your
grandchildren, and making plans to reconnect with old friends on Facebook,
it is time to plan for your future and for your loved ones. Evan H. Farr is a
Certified Elder Law Attorney with a focus on helping protect seniors and their
families by preserving dignity, quality of life, and financial security.
Call the Fairfax Elder Care Law Firm of
Evan H. Farr, CELA at 703-691-1888 to
make an appointment for a complimentary consultation.
P.S. Like us on Facebook and receive a 10% discount on your next set of new legal
services we provide.
This is very interesting. I work in the senior care industry, providing assisted living in Sandown NH, and I have to say that very few of our seniors are on Facebook or understand how to use it. I can definitely see how it would give them a cognitive boost though, so perhaps it's something we'll look into.
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