A recent meta-analysis in Nature Human Behaviour has revealed that the use of digital technology significantly lowers the risks of cognitive impairment in older adults. By reviewing over 130 studies involving more than 411,000 participants aged 50 and above, researchers found that those engaged with digital tools such as smartphones and computers had a 58% lower chance of cognitive decline. This emphasizes active participation in digital engagement rather than merely the amount of time spent on screens, redefining traditional concepts like '"use it or lose it"' in the context of technology.
Digital technology use was associated with a 58 percent lower odds of cognitive impairment and a 26 percent reduced risk of cognitive decline over time.
Older adults who used digital tools-whether computers, smartphones, or tablets-were significantly more likely to maintain their cognitive health.
It wasn't the amount of time spent on devices that mattered. What made the difference was whether individuals had crossed a threshold into digital engagement.
This suggests that the act of participation itself, not its duration, may be a considerable factor in cognitive health.
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