Web developer with gadgets
My reflections on IT gadgets, recent findings on the brains of over 50s and expected dementia trends:
It seems my fetish with data analysis and all things digital may actually be good for my health. A recent study in the UK found that the brains of people over 50 are getting sharper and younger due to the use of IT gadgets. And this is good news in the light of the so-called “grey tsunami” of ageing people. Many are expected to get alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
It appears to be de rigueur to have a go at people with lots of IT gadgets. Granted, our love affair with them can have it’s social down-side. But armed with the evidence of IT gadgets keeping our brains sharper and younger don’t you think it’s worth it? I reckon we should be actively encouraging the use of modern technology amongst the elderly. Not just to keep their brains in good health, but to aid in social engagement by keeping in touch with family and friends.
I’m now in my late 50s and my studies and practice in web development and mastering digital media and data analysis is certainly keeping my brain sharp. I consider the stimulation I give my brain with these activities every bit as important as my regular trips to the gym, good food and sound sleep for complete physical health care. In fact I think there’s even a strong case for health insurance providers to reduce premiums for over-50s who are actively engaged with modern technology. Wouldn’t it be great if we could get rebates on IT gadgets as part of an active brain health plan!
My mother is now 94 and even though she’s showing the obvious and expected signs of ageing such as hearing and sight loss, her brain is still relatively sharp. She is proud of the fact that she started using computers when they first became onto the market. And I can remember she tried all the IT gadgets that came with this space. She migrated from PC to laptop to tablet. She reads the ‘paper’ (her iPad!) every day and is able to carry a huge library of books around on a device that she can hold in one hand.
Thankfully Mum has avoided the devastating effects of dementia. We can’t be sure how much of her good health is due to good genes, but I’m damn sure that keeping her brain active has helped her remain well. I now visit her in a nursing home and witness first hand those who have not been so fortunate. Dementia is a terrible thing for those afflicted as well as their family and friends.
Don’t you think it is our social responsibility to help people avoid dementia as much as we do diseases such as cancer, stroke and heart attack? I know there is much more to dementia than keeping the brain active, but don’t you think its worth a try?
So here’s to your good health and may there be many more IT gadgets to come!