Internet Use May Help Prevent Depression in the Elderly

While many elderly people are at risk for increased depression due to feelings of loneliness and isolation, a new study indicates that using the Internet could help ameliorate these feelings and prevent depression in this population. The study followed thousand of retired Americans for a period of six years, finding that depression could be reduced by over 30 percent in those who use the Internet. According to Sheila Cotten, the Michigan State University professor in charge of the study, this "very strong effect" has to do with the fact that elderly people are able to stay in touch with others and not feel so lonely. To carry out the study, Cotten's research team looked at data collected from the Health and Retirement Survey.  This survey included over 22,000 older Americans with data being collected every two years.  More than 3,000 people were included in this particular sampling.  According to Cotten, it is "one of the largest and most comprehensive surveys of its kind."  Other smaller studies have been inconclusive about what role technology such as the Internet might play in helping depression. The study was also different from others in that it took into account what the people's depression levels were like before they began their Internet usage. Internet usage was no panacea, however.  Some people did remain depressed even after using it. The team also confirmed a finding from previous studies that people who live alone experience a great...
Source: About.com Depression - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: news