Using social media sites cuts BP, Diabetes in elderly

f you are seeing your parents or grandparents making friends on Facebook, chatting online or using instant messaging services on smartphones, do not be surprised; rather be happy, as indulging in social media could reduce loneliness as well as chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes in older adults.

The researchers said that this is because, social media technology like emails, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, etc. has the potential to cultivate successful relationships among older adults.

The findings were published online in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking.

‘Each of the links between social technology use and physical and psychological health was mediated by reduced loneliness,’ said William Chopik, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, in the US.

The study also found that participants active on social media platforms were generally more satisfied with life and had fewer depressive symptoms as well as chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

More than 95% of the elderly participants in the study, said they were either “somewhat” or “very” satisfied with technology, while 72% said they were not opposed to learning new technologies.

‘Older adults think the benefits of social technology greatly outweigh the costs and challenges of technology,’ Chopik added.

The research team had examined the benefits of using technology for social networking among older adults in 591 participants with an average age of 68.

The author had earlier said, ‘Age is a matter of mind, if you don’t mind, it does not matter.’ Looks like it’s coming true!