In the past two years, the number of seniors that have begun exploring the Internet has grown tremendously, and the number using social networking sites has tripled.
Now, doctors say that can be very good for their long-term mental and emotional health.
According to the AARP about a third of people older than 75 today live alone, which puts them at risk for social isolation and depression. To fight that, doctors recommend making new social connections and say sites like Facebook and MySpace can be just the solution for those who can't make it to the local senior center.
"I think it's a bigger leap for the older generation to do that, but I think it can be very beneficial," said Dr. Gretchen Orosz with Sparks Senior Health Center.
Dr. Orosz says while many seniors may be wary or even afraid of new technology, more and more of her patients are becoming internet-savvy. She also says learning new skills, such as how to post and tag a picture of your grandkids, can help seniors stay mentally sharp.
"There are studies, particularly with dementia, that people who are more active and are learning new things do better than people who drop all of those activities," she said.
Instructors at the Fort Smith Adult Education Center say their internet classes are filled with seniors who are interested in social networking, emailing their families, and catching up with long-lost friends.
Connie Johnson, who started taking the class after buying herself a computer this past Christmas, says every day she's surprised at the people she's finding and the new things she's finding out about them.
"I've got so many family that I never get a chance to see or anything, so I thought, I'm not that old, I could get into this," said Johnson.
Dr. Orosz says if you have senior friend or relative and are worried they could be socially isolated, watch for these warning signs:
The person has stopped answering phone calls
The person is increasingly emotional during conversations
The person has stopped doing normal activities like going to church or visiting friends
Dr. Orosz recommends contacting the person's doctor or family members to help them further.
Now, doctors say that can be very good for their long-term mental and emotional health.
According to the AARP about a third of people older than 75 today live alone, which puts them at risk for social isolation and depression. To fight that, doctors recommend making new social connections and say sites like Facebook and MySpace can be just the solution for those who can't make it to the local senior center.
"I think it's a bigger leap for the older generation to do that, but I think it can be very beneficial," said Dr. Gretchen Orosz with Sparks Senior Health Center.
Dr. Orosz says while many seniors may be wary or even afraid of new technology, more and more of her patients are becoming internet-savvy. She also says learning new skills, such as how to post and tag a picture of your grandkids, can help seniors stay mentally sharp.
"There are studies, particularly with dementia, that people who are more active and are learning new things do better than people who drop all of those activities," she said.
Instructors at the Fort Smith Adult Education Center say their internet classes are filled with seniors who are interested in social networking, emailing their families, and catching up with long-lost friends.
Connie Johnson, who started taking the class after buying herself a computer this past Christmas, says every day she's surprised at the people she's finding and the new things she's finding out about them.
"I've got so many family that I never get a chance to see or anything, so I thought, I'm not that old, I could get into this," said Johnson.
Dr. Orosz says if you have senior friend or relative and are worried they could be socially isolated, watch for these warning signs:
The person has stopped answering phone calls
The person is increasingly emotional during conversations
The person has stopped doing normal activities like going to church or visiting friends
Dr. Orosz recommends contacting the person's doctor or family members to help them further.
