As technology becomes a regular part of daily life, researchers are exploring how it affects aging minds. A new study published in Nature Human Behavior brings a fresh perspective to this question. It looked at how digital tools like smartphones and computers might help protect older adults from cognitive decline.
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Baylor University conducted a large review of past studies. They wanted to see if the idea known as the “digital dementia hypothesis” holds true. This hypothesis suggests that using digital devices too often could hurt brain health over time.
However, the study found the opposite.
Using Technology May Protect the Brain
The review included 57 studies with a total of 411,430 people aged 60 and older. These studies looked at how often older adults used technology. They also checked for signs of cognitive problems like dementia, memory loss, and poor thinking skills.
The result? Older adults who used digital tools were 42% less likely to show signs of cognitive decline.
The types of tech use studied included internet browsing, smartphone use, emailing, and even social media. Surprisingly, none of the studies found a link between technology use and worsening brain function.
Dr. Michael Scullin, a psychology and neuroscience professor at Baylor University, said this kind of consistency is rare in research. He co-led the study with Dr. Jared Benge, a neuropsychologist at UT Austin.
Benefits Go Beyond Lifestyle and Education
Some might think that tech-savvy older adults are simply more educated or healthier. But the researchers took this into account. Even after adjusting for factors like income, education, and overall lifestyle, the link between tech use and better brain health still held strong.
Dr. Benge emphasized that using technology seems to offer benefits on its own, not just because it connects to other healthy behaviors.
The researchers reviewed studies going back nearly 20 years. About one-third of these studies followed people for six years or more. Others collected data from a single point in time.
Most of the people in the studies were around age 68 at the beginning. They were not raised with technology but learned to use it later in life. That makes the findings more striking, experts say.
Experts Weigh In
Dr. Christopher Anderson from Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston called the study “well-structured and powerful.” Although he was not part of the research, he praised its method and conclusions.
Dr. Amit Sachdev, a neurologist from Michigan State University, said the study supports what we already know: keeping the brain active helps it stay healthy.
“Thinking actively when you’re younger helps your brain later in life,” he said.
No Green Light for Endless Screen Time
Despite the good news, experts urge caution. The study does not suggest that unlimited screen time is a good idea. It also does not prove that tech use causes better brain health. It only shows a strong link.
Dr. Benge warned against misreading the results. “This doesn’t mean scrolling social media for hours is good for your brain,” he said.
Instead, he believes that older adults should use digital tools in meaningful ways. That might include reading news, playing brain games, emailing friends, or learning new skills online.
The study had some limits. It didn’t track how long or in what ways people used their devices. So, we don’t know if all kinds of tech use are helpful, or just some.
Dr. Anderson noted that we still need more data. For example, how much time on a screen is too much? What types of tech use are most helpful? The study doesn’t answer these questions yet.
Digital Engagement May Build Cognitive Reserve
The findings support the “cognitive reserve theory.” This idea suggests that mentally challenging tasks help build brain strength over time. Using technology may be one of those tasks.
Dr. Sachdev noted that using devices often means being social. Talking to others, even online, is good for brain health. In contrast, loneliness and isolation are strong risk factors for dementia.
Some older adults avoid using tech because they find it hard to learn. But Dr. Scullin says even people with early dementia can learn to use devices. He believes this learning process itself is good for the brain.
While this study doesn’t offer clear rules about screen time, it does give hope. Moderate and thoughtful use of digital tools may help older adults keep their minds sharp.
Dr. Sachdev encourages people to use tech in ways that feel good—like talking to loved ones, playing games, or learning something new. He also warns against physical problems like eye or neck strain from too much screen use.
In the end, balance is key. As Dr. Anderson puts it, “Using digital tools in a smart, mindful way is unlikely to harm and may actually help.”