We often hear warnings about too much screen time—but a new study offers a surprising twist. For older adults, using technology like computers, smartphones, and email might actually help protect the brain from cognitive decline.
Researchers from two Texas universities took a deep dive into the so-called “digital dementia hypothesis”—a theory that suggests frequent use of digital devices could weaken memory and thinking skills over time. But after reviewing more than 400,000 participants across dozens of studies, the evidence told a different story.
The study, published in Nature Human Behavior, analyzed data from 57 research papers involving adults with an average starting age of 68. The results were striking: older adults who regularly used digital technology had a 42% lower risk of cognitive impairment, which includes both mild cognitive issues and more serious diagnoses like dementia.
Technology use, in this case, covered everything from using the internet and checking email to engaging on social media or working on a computer. The researchers didn’t limit their review to one type of tech—they looked at a variety of digital habits and how they might relate to brain health.
Twenty of the studies followed participants over time (about six years on average), while 37 were cross-sectional—meaning they captured data at a single point in time. Altogether, the findings paint a more optimistic picture of how technology might influence the aging brain.
While there’s still a lot to learn, the takeaway is that regular interaction with technology could be giving older adults the kind of mental workout that keeps cognitive skills strong. Using a smartphone or navigating social media may require memory, attention, and problem-solving—the same functions that help protect against cognitive decline.
That said, not all tech seemed equally beneficial. The study authors pointed out that social media use showed more inconsistent results. While it might offer social connection (which is itself a brain booster), the effects on cognition were less clear and may depend on how it’s used.
So, what does this mean for the aging population? It might be time to stop seeing screens as purely harmful. In moderation, and especially when used to learn, create, or connect, digital tools could be valuable allies in healthy aging.
If you’re an older adult—or helping care for one—encouraging light tech use might be a simple way to support brain health. Whether it’s sending emails to grandkids, browsing articles, or using a new app, engaging with technology could help keep the mind active and engaged.
As always, balance is key. But this new research suggests that when it comes to cognitive aging, a little screen time might actually be a smart move.
