Isolation is one of the most prevalent and uncomfortable issues that ageing presents to older adults, and local scientists might have discovered how to assist older adults in their fight against it. The solution? Provide them with increased screen time.
A study reports that more than 55 per cent of the older adults in the United States experienced isolation at one time during the peak of the pandemic (2025). In 2024, isolation continued to impact almost 1-in-3 older adults. It is a health problem that may severely affect health, putting an individual at risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, dementia and even early death.
According to new findings out of the University of Georgia, technology can possibly assist the current ageing population to remain socially active in one of the most significant ways.
In the news release, UGA associate professor and co-author of the study, Allison Dunnigan, said, “we have to collectively work to help older adults move out of work and into retirement by offering resources like technology education, community-based programs and opportunities to stay socially active. This is significant since our studies have indicated that the use of technology and remaining in the workforce contribute to maintaining social interaction, which safeguards the well-being of older adults.”
This study was published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology and was based on the National Health and Ageing Trends Study, which provides the employment, use of technology and social engagement data of thousands of older adults. The researchers found that elderly people who worked or used technology frequently to communicate with other people led a more active social life. Their social networks fell greatly as those study subjects retired.
Tablets, smartphones and laptops assisted them in the transition to retirement as they have a digital environment to socialise.
“Only technology and employment are complements, not substitutes,” said lead study author and UGA doctoral candidate Jaesung Lee in a news release. “The use of the Internet is potentially a good intervention to assist older adults, yet the regularity of a job is also significant.”
The biggest challenge facing many older adults in their quest to utilise modern technology boils down to access to the internet. The researchers clarified that the social divide might be lessened by increasing internet accessibility and educating older adults on how to use modern technologies, resulting in a reduced number of examples of isolation.
Considering just Georgia, Dunnigan said, “we have rural communities that lack access to good internet for older adults. Internet access: It is actually essential to social activities, particularly after retirement. Remaining socially connected is connected with numerous other health and well-being determinants.”
The elderly who are interested in enlarging their social network and coming to terms with technology have an alternative.
Lee said, “it is important that all human beings get engaged in society. Social engagement comprises volunteering, communication with friends and family members, hobbies, and everything is possible. These activities are highly valued by older adults and help to improve their quality of life.”
