IT skills enhance quality of life of older people

19:50 16th December 2008

IT proficiency is opening up new horizons for older people, according to a leading charity.

Age Concern has stated the benefits of IT training for older people as the use of the internet enables many people who would otherwise feel increasingly isolated to continue to have social contact.

Booking holidays, shopping and organising household affairs online has given older people a feeling of control over their lives and helped them to remain independent, which adds greatly to their quality of life.

Monica Evans of Age Concern commented: "For many older people the internet has opened new opportunities to enjoy life and beat isolation. Using chat rooms and email they can connect with others and exchange ideas and encouragement."

She added that technological advances have changed the lives of many elderly people who have been able to retain their social life and quality of life as a result.

The University of California published a study on the effect of using the internet on the brain and found that surfing the web triggers areas in the brain of older people that control reasoning and decision-making skills.