15.04.2025.
A new large-scale study suggests that older adults who are comfortable using technology may be better protected against age-related cognitive decline — potentially benefiting their brain health as much as regular exercise or a higher level of education.
Published in Nature Human Behaviour, the study examined data from 57 international studies involving more than 411,000 individuals aged 50 and older.
The results show that those who used smartphones, computers, or the Internet had a lower risk of developing cognitive impairment compared to those who did not engage with digital tools.
“Digital Pioneers” are ageing differently
Today’s seniors — with an average age of 68 in this study — have witnessed the full evolution of personal technology.
Born in a time before colour TV and now living in a world of social media and mobile apps, these older adults are described as “digital pioneers” because they didn’t grow up with the Internet yet have adapted to it in later life.
The findings suggest that regular use of digital technology could stimulate the brain in ways that preserve memory and thinking skills. Over several years of observation, older adults who used digital devices were also less likely to experience a decline in cognitive function compared to their less tech-savvy peers.
Comparable to exercise and education
The connection between tech use and brain health appeared as strong — or even stronger — than other recognised protective factors such as physical activity, mental hobbies, education level, or maintaining healthy blood pressure. This suggests that engaging with technology might be more than just a way to pass time; it could offer real cognitive benefits in ageing.
What’s especially notable is that the positive association remained even after researchers adjusted for other factors that influence brain health, such as social interaction, income, and general physical health.
This strengthens the idea that technology use itself may play a direct role in protecting against dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment.
A timely insight for ageing societies
With populations ageing across the globe, these insights are especially relevant. Encouraging digital literacy among older generations could become an important part of strategies to promote healthy ageing and delay the onset of dementia.
Other recent research supports these findings. A Swiss study published last year found that seniors with better memory were more likely to be frequent Internet users.
However, not all studies have come to the same conclusion — a large-scale UK analysis involving over 463,000 people found no clear link between computer use and dementia, highlighting the need for more targeted research to explore how digital habits affect long-term brain health.
Finding the right balance
While more evidence is needed to understand the full impact of screen time, this new research reinforces the idea that technology — when used meaningfully — can be a tool for mental engagement rather than just a distraction.
