Senior's brains benefit from Internet use ... except for Carl.
A University of California Los Angeles team found searching the web stimulated centres in the brain that controlled decision-making and complex reasoning. The researchers say this might even help to counteract the age-related physiological changes that cause the brain to slow down. The study features in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
As the brain ages, a number of changes occur, including shrinkage and reductions in cell activity, which can affect performance. It has long been thought that activities which keep the brain active, such as crossword puzzles, may help minimise that impact - and the latest study suggests that surfing the web can be added to the list.
Lead researcher Professor Gary Small said: "The study results are encouraging, that emerging computerised technologies may have physiological effects and potential benefits for middle-aged and older adults. "Internet searching engages complicated brain activity, which may help exercise and improve brain function."
The latest study was based on 24 volunteers aged between 55 and 76. Half were experienced internet users, the rest were not. Each volunteer underwent a brain scan while performing web searches and book-reading tasks. Both types of task produced evidence of significant activity in regions of the brain controlling language, reading, memory and visual abilities. However, the web search task produced significant additional activity in separate areas of the brain which control decision-making and complex reasoning - but only in those who were experienced web users. Link
Notice that the research specifies 'searching the web' as opposed to playing games or downloading music or watching Youtube videos and therein lies a great truth - young people, no matter how computer savvy, do not get the same benefits from its use as their elders. That would explain why Barack Obama is so very popular on the Internet. Kids are looking around for validation and trying to find communities of like-minded (sic) moonbats, while grownups are deparately trying to find something - anything - that might give them reason to hope that the second coming ...
I wish to hell I would have "computer/internet access"
years ago!
In my 10 years of owning a computer, I have learned and read more than anytime in my life.
Posted by: Oldcatman | 10/15/2008 at 09:29 AM
I don't know if I've learned more, but I have put what I've learned to use! And I have expanded on it religiously as I want to research what I know. What a cool tool. Lordy, I wish I'd had one in college so I could buy term papers. :)
Posted by: Phoenix | 10/15/2008 at 09:17 PM
I wish I'd had it in college so I could sell term papers.
Posted by: Steel | 10/15/2008 at 09:57 PM
......and I sold "term" papers in high school.........
Posted by: Oldcatman | 10/16/2008 at 08:16 AM
The computer has enabled me to use "old school" research skills I learned 20-30 years ago, as well as discovering new activities that only electronic media can provide. The point is that the computer has become another "tool" in my "toolbox", not a substitute for more tried and tested methods.
My two teenage step children use the computer for various school assignments, but they are really clueless. They are not taught how to perform an effective topic search by focusing on key words, or any other research skills. They copy and paste; they don't read and comprehend. In other words, they don't learn five-eighths of fuck-all. But they are good at downloading music, watching Youtube, and updating their Bebo pages.
The liberal education system doesn't teach effective research skills because they don't want to "stifle the learners' creativity or deprive them the benefit of discovering on their own what works for them and what doesn't." That is what the educrats have told me personally. I told them that is like expecting somebody to learn how to run before they learn to put one foot in front of the other.
Posted by: Joe | 10/19/2008 at 05:20 PM