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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.

Technology is considered an integral part of the lives of young people, but nowadays, technology has also become an integral part of the lives of the elderly. The time once spent watching TV or reading religious texts is now spent on smartphones, tablets, and gaming devices. According to a recent study, technology addiction is rapidly increasing among the elderly, impacting their sleep, mental health, and physical activity. A

A 72-year-old woman was recently admitted to the UK's National Gaming Disorder Centre, struggling with smartphone gaming addiction. While previously mostly teenagers, the number of elderly people seeking treatment has now increased. So far, 67 such elderly people have been treated. Let us now tell you how the elderly are battling smartphone addiction and how access to digital devices has increased to 60 percent of the elderly in a decade.

The elderly are becoming the new screen addicts.

According to the Global Web Index report, people over 65 now spend 50 percent of their time on TV, smartphones, and digital devices. Along with entertainment, they are also active in social media, online shopping, banking, and gaming. Some experts suggest that, like the younger generation, the elderly are now immersed in their phones. This change is impacting their mental health and relationships. A

60 percent increase in a decade:

In the US, 10 years ago, only 20 percent of people over 65 owned smartphones. Today, this number has reached 80 percent. Seniors now own not only phones but also smart TVs, tablets, e-readers, and computers. Tech companies, recognizing this change, are developing specialized products for the elderly. Furthermore, according to reports, 17 percent of seniors currently use smartwatches. After retirement, when time is no longer a constraint, seniors increasingly spend their days engaging with digital screens. In Britain, people over 65 spend an average of three hours online daily. When combined with TV and online use, the total screen time of seniors has surpassed that of younger adults.

Screen time increases the risk of smartphone addiction among older adults.

According to a study conducted in South Korea, 15 percent of seniors aged 60 to 69 are at risk of smartphone addiction. In Japan, screen time has been linked to sleep deprivation. Furthermore, a study from China suggests that spending too much time online reduces physical activity in older adults. Furthermore, older adults' devices are often linked to their bank accounts, increasing the risk of online fraud. Experts say that older adults are often left unsupervised, so they decide for themselves what to view on their phones and for how long, often leading to addiction.

Lack of monitoring further increases the risk.

We often see parents and teachers monitoring children's screen time. However, older adults often don't have anyone to monitor their online activities, which can lead to late recognition of their problems. Furthermore, some experts point out that many older adults fail to recognize the problems associated with screen time. Problems like lack of sleep, anxiety, and stress from constantly reading the news are often linked to this addiction. However, this research isn't just about the harm; it also shows that technology has opened up new opportunities in the lives of older adults. Online yoga classes, book clubs, religious services, and chatting with family have all become a means of social connection for them.