A study by UCLA suggests that use of the Internet by seniors helps to "stimulate and possibly improve brain functioning." Dr. Gary Small, a professor at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, noted "Internet searching engages complicated brain activity, which may help exercise and improve brain function." MRI scans performed during the study showed significantly increased brain activity when seniors performed Internet searches compared to when they read books.
"The results of the study certainly make sense because surfing the Internet is a much more interactive activity when compared to reading a newspaper or watching TV." said Robert Olin, owner of Hale Pu'uhonua, an assisted living facility in Kea'au. "Our residents are usually very reluctant to use computers for fear of 'doing something wrong', but they really warm up to surfing the Internet and using email once we show them how easy it is. It has turned out to be a wonderful way to bridge the generation gap between seniors who are accustomed to using letters and phone calls and their younger friends and family members who are more likely to use email and webcams." according to Mr. Olin. "Unfortunately, the world gets much smaller for many people as they age and lose mobility. Using the Internet is a great way for our residents to remain engaged and informed by being able to view photos from their families and researching any topic that interests them". More information about this study can be found at www.halepu.com
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