Source: http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2008/10/16/health/computer_480.jpg

My mom, 80 next month, hates the thought of a computer in her house. “No,” she challenges me when I suggest it as a way to stay in touch, a way to access a storehouse of photos and videos online, “Why would I want that? I can’t use it.” But then, Mom has never been for technology; it’s a waste of time to be inside, but if you have to be, better to watch TV than have to learn new technology. Yet, it might make a difference.

“Our most striking finding was that Internet searching appears to engage a greater extent of neural circuitry that is not activated during reading — but only in those with prior Internet experience,” said principal investigator Dr. Gary Small, director of U.C.L.A.’s Memory and Aging Research Center, in a press release.

“The study results are encouraging that emerging computerized technologies may have physiological effects and potential benefits for middle-aged and older adults,” Dr. Small said. “Internet searching engages complicated brain activity, which may help exercise and improve brain function.”

The findings, to be published in the upcoming issue of The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, suggest that searching the Web helps to stimulate and may even improve brain function.
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Now that I’m middle-aged, maybe I need to be Googling more and not taking advantage of Google Alerts.

via Assorted Stuff

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