Tech's Impact on the Brain Contradicts Negative Perceptions According to Scientific Research
Embrace the digital world, 'cause dodgin' technology for fear of brain harm is a thing of the past. In today's world, escaping technological gadgets is all but impossible. You might have heard talk about "digital dementia," but research in journals like Nature Human Behavior indicates that using tech can actually reduce the risk of memory disorders, especially when used smartly.
Marvin Kopka, PhD, a human-technology interaction researcher, reckons that the constant evolution of technology keeps our brains on their toes, potentially offering cognitive training that safeguards our gray matter. Let's take a closer look at five ways to use our trusty devices to turn our brains into powerhouses.
What's Up, Cognitive Aging?
Understanding healthy and unhealthy cognitive aging is key to leveraging technology to the max. As we bellow like old bellowfish, we might notice mental changes like forgetting words, confusion over days, losing things, name-dropping strangers, or struggling to take in information as swiftly as before. But don't fret, grandpa, Lakelyn Eichenberger, PhD, a gerontologist and caregiver advocate, recommends keeping an eye on these quirks and assessing how they affect your everyday life. Hang in there, and remember to employ your digital devices wisely in the interests of brain health.
Let's Get Social
How bloody marvellous it is to manage friendships with a snap of our fingers, even when miles apart. Eichenberger encourages seniors to optimize their tech to nurture connections. "A hearty social scene is just the ticket for our brain health," she proclaims. "Shoot messages back and forth, schedule regular video chat meetings, share photos, and more."
Time for a Brain Workout
Remember puzzles on paper? Sounds like a nightmare, doesn't it? But guess what? You've already started flexing your brain muscles thanks to crosswords, games, and audiobooks on your smartphone. "Keeping our mental tanks full by challenging ourselves and learning new things is great for our grey matter," Eichenberger notes. "Dive into brain games, immerse yourself in a fresh language, and tune in to streaming docs on diverse cultures."
Let It Flow, Bohemian Rhapsody
Fancy yourself a musician? Improvise a tune and see your brain zoom! Kopka shares that there are loads of apps for creating melodies on smartphones and computers. "Giving your sense of rhythm a whirl is a fun way to pump up the brain juice," he says. Singing has science-approved health perks, and making music is an excellent way to keep your mental status quo.
Get Organized, Digitally
Do you rely on your phone for reminders or to-do lists? Kudos to you, friend! "Digital devices can help you run the school on a day-to-day basis," Kopka notes. "Think of Apple's med reminders: They help you avoid forgetting medications, thus reducing cognitive overload and freeing up your brain for other tasks, especially if juggling multiple prescriptions."
Wait a Cotton-Pickin' Minute
An unhealthy tech relationship can be kept in check by distinguishing between our desires and necessities. For instance, taking reminders is a must to remember the crucial stuff, but using the calculator for simple math isn't vital.
"Sometimes it can be appealing to look up answers or reach for the phone in a jiffy, but try to take a breather," recommends Eichenberger. "Can you figure out the answer by yourself? Can you consider multiple possibilities and choose the best one? This little brain gym session will boost your mental powers and ensure you're not undermining your memory." This strategy allows your brain to take a breather, too. Boom!
[1] See relevant enrichment data in the "How Technology Affects Cognitive Function and Cognitive Aging" section.
- Embracing digital technology can potentially support mental health, as suggested by research in journals like Nature Human Behavior, by reducing the risk of memory disorders when used wisely.
- Maintaining social connections through technology can positively impact brain health, according to Lakelyn Eichenberger, a gerontologist and caregiver advocate.
- Engaging in brain-stimulating activities, such as puzzles, games, learning new things, making music, and organizing reminders on digital devices, can contribute to overall wellness and cognitive health.
