Internet: A Life Line for Elderly People

Internet: A Life Line for Elderly People

Internet has become a world’s sensation and has become an integral part of modern life. As of June 2018, 55.1% of the world’s population has Internet access and in comparison to youngsters, elderly people are thought to be late adopters of the technology. They initially perceive Internet as a superfluous fad but have turned out to be more addictive users.

Life of old people unexpectedly takes a sea change when they retire as there comes a sudden halt in their lives being completely away from the accustomed external hustle bustle. Unfortunately, there comes an inevitable sense of isolation which further triggers depression and negative emotions in elderly people.

According to a study by the London-based Institute of Economic Affairs, the possibility that someone will endure from clinical depression essentially goes up by about 40% after retiring. Retirement makes one aware of the fact that the person is aging, with fears about death, sickness, and disability arising. When my father retired I could see a drastic change in his personality. A feeling of loss rushed into his mind as he was struggling to comprehend- who he is and what his value is. I once asked him “what kind of change he feels after retirement?” and he replied “the transition from “work-life” to “retired-life” brings a lot of emotions, including sadness and sometimes there comes a loss of identity when I am no longer defined by a job title”. That was a straight but an answer that raised numerous questions in my mind. Do retirement really makes one feel less empowered and helpless. After retirement he had nothing to keep him busy and on his 62^nd birthday I gifted him with a smart phone and I observed a radical change in his behaviour. He was more positive and more vivacious as if he has got a 24x7 companion.

Internet has profoundly changed the life of elderly people in a positive manner. It has helped a lot in promoting social engagement as elderly people participate in online communities, have video chat sessions with their friends and relatives. This constant interaction helps them to remain mentally stimulated and stress free.

With age there comes a decline in cognitive ability of a person and the same decline happens with the elderly people as their ability to communicate and their problem solving skills starts deteriorating. However, research has shown that progression of cognitive decline can be slowed down if the mind remains stimulated. Internet keeps the mind of elderly people preoccupied as they engage themselves in watching videos, playing online games and by communicating with their old friends via video or texting.

Internet has even helped elderly people in maintaining their health as they easily access information about health. They can get all kinds of information concerning health condition, home remedies, fitness exercises, medications and all other ways to improve their health in an easier manner. E- Health has also become a new emerging trend which helps the elderly people book their appointment online without any hassle; as going to doctor in person and standing in queue turns out to be bothersome. Internet helps them to have a constant contact with their concerned doctors as they can share their day to day medical report and get the instant timely feedback. The online workout videos helps the elderly people to maintain their physical health as it helps them to obtain information on how to perform specific exercise and also to track their fitness history.

Elderly people do have unfulfilled desire of learning or doing certain things in their life time but due to some time constraints and responsibilities are unable to do so. This Internet world is a storehouse of knowledge and gives an immense opportunity to elderly people to relive their lives again. There is plethora of online courses available on different topics and people can join a learning group dedicated to sharing knowledge about their favourite topic and that to being stationary. Coming in contact with thousands of like minded people can boost their self confidence as they get the opportunity of getting into different kinds of online discussions.

Internet has also provided a new benefit to elderly people.  After attaining the proficiency, the elderly people even do online shopping as doing market shopping is unnerving and distressing. Buying presents for friends and family brings a kind of closeness in relationships. Online shopping has made shopping convenient as they can even buy grocery without being dependent on anyone which further creates a very satisfying feeling of independence. It inculcates in them the feeling of being capable of doing their work on their own and eliminates the feeling of being parasite in old age.

Thus, one can say that Internet has turned out to be boon for the elderly people as it has made their life more busy, entertaining and exciting. Meeting new people, learning new information and exploring the world from the comfort of home has made their lives more vivacious and stress free.

Dr. Ranbir Kaur

12 December 2019