Elderly people are getting addicted to smartphones, penetration of digital devices increased by 60% in a decade

Technology is considered an important part of the life of the youth, but nowadays technology has become an important part of the life of the elderly also. The time which was once spent watching TV or reading religious books is now being spent on smartphones, tablets and gaming devices. According to a recent study, technology addiction is increasing rapidly among the elderly and it is also affecting their sleep, mental health and physical activity.
Recently, a 72-year-old woman was admitted to Britain’s National Gaming Disorder Centre, who was struggling with smartphone gaming addiction. While earlier mostly teenagers used to come to this center for treatment, now the number of elderly people has also started increasing here. Till now 67 such elderly people have been treated. In such a situation, let us now tell you how the elderly are struggling with smartphone addiction and how the reach of digital devices has increased by 60 percent among the elderly in a decade.

Elderly people are becoming new screen addicts

According to the Global Web Index report, people above 65 years of age now spend 50 percent of their time on TV, smartphones and digital devices. Apart from entertainment, he is also active in social media, online shopping, banking and gaming. In such a situation, some experts say that now, like the young generation, the elderly also remain lost in their phones. This change is affecting their mental condition and relationships.

60 percent increase in a decade

In America, 10 years ago only 20 percent of people above 65 years of age owned smartphones. Today this number has reached 80 percent. Now the elderly not only have phones but also smart TVs, tablets, ereaders and computers. Apart from this, tech companies are also making special products for the elderly, understanding this change. Apart from this, according to the report, till now 17 percent of the elderly are using smart watches. After retirement, when there is no shortage of time, the days of the elderly start passing with digital screens. In Britain, people aged 65 and over spend an average of 3 hours a day online. If we look at both TV and online together, the total screen time of the elderly has become more than that of the youth.

Risks increase with screen time in the elderly

According to a study conducted in South Korea, 15 percent of elderly people between 60 to 69 years of age are at risk of smartphone addiction. Whereas in Japan, screen time has been linked to lack of sleep. Apart from this, a research in China has shown that spending more time online reduces the physical activity of the elderly. Apart from this, the devices of the elderly are often linked to their bank accounts, due to which the risk of online fraud also increases. According to experts, no one keeps a watch on the elderly, hence they themselves decide what to watch on the phone, for how long, and this often becomes the cause of addiction.

Danger increases due to lack of monitoring of elderly people

Generally, we see that parents and teachers often keep an eye on children regarding their screen time. But the elderly do not have anyone who can see what they are doing online, due to which their problems are identified late. Apart from this, some experts also say that many elders are not able to recognize the problems related to screen time. Problems like lack of sleep, anxiety and stress due to constant reading of news are often associated with this addiction. However, this research is not only about the harm, but this research shows that technology has also opened new opportunities in the lives of the elderly. Online yoga classes, book clubs, religious services and chatting with family, all these have become a means of social connection for them.