Using the internet is GOOD for you…if you're over a certain age

Using the internet is good for you - but only if you're over a certain age. 

That's according a new study, which claims that over-50s who regularly use the internet are happier with their lives and are less likely to be depressed.

Researchers from the University of Hong Kong found that 'silver surfers' who frequently log on to send or receive emails, make purchases or search for information report better wellbeing than those who don't.

However, it's not good news for under-50s who enjoy scrolling online. 

Other research has suggested that for younger people, internet use can be linked to increased anxiety, poor self-esteem, eating disorders and online harassment. 

In the study, the team analysed data from 87,000 people aged 50 and older across 23 countries including the UK, who were followed for an average of six years.

They were split into four groups – those who never used the internet, those who used it less than once a week, those who logged on weekly and those who used it daily.

They discovered that as internet use increased, participants reported higher levels of life satisfaction and better health.

In England, analysis showed only those who used the internet daily were less likely to report depressive symptoms compared to other categories.

Overall those aged 65 and above seemed to record the greatest benefit from using the internet, the team found, as well as those who were unmarried, didn't do much exercise and had less money.

The researchers suggest that internet use for people aged 50 and above could promote social interaction and reduce loneliness.

It could also allow these individuals access to information and services which could in turn provide emotional support and medical advice.

However, they warned it could be a 'double-edged sword' for mental health among older adults as spending excessive time online could affect sleep, physical activity and real-life socialising.

Using the internet regularly could also mean people are more susceptible to online fraud and misinformation, they said.

Writing in the journal Nature Human Behaviour the team said: 'Taken together, our results demonstrate that internet use could be an effective strategy to improve overall mental health in middle-aged and older populations.

'For people in their later life, who often face mobility and activity restrictions, internet use offers a valuable opportunity and an alternative for accessing health-related information.

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'It provides an important channel for social connections and online entertainment, all of which can positively impact their mental health.'

A previous study has also found that silver surfers who persist with using the internet have half the risk of developing dementia compared to those who hardly go online.

A team from New York University followed more than 18,000 dementia-free adults aged between 50 and 65 for up to 17 years.

Author Virginia Chang said: 'Online engagement may help to develop and maintain cognitive reserve, which can in turn compensate for brain aging and reduce the risk of dementia.'