Bytheway...OAPsshouldn’tworryaboutscreenuse

THERE have been concerns for years that excessive screen time (defined by research as more than six hours a day) — whether that’s televisions, computers, tablets, or phones — is bad for our health.

This has been fuelled by studies on children and the possible effects it may have on their brain development and emotional maturation, as well as a link between blue light from screens and sleep disturbance.

Meanwhile, research in adults suggests excessive screen time is associated with shrinkage of the brain tissue, which can lead to poor cognitive performance.

There is also a connection between screen time and the development of metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions including obesity, raised cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, which all lead to poorer cardiovascular health and a higher mortality risk.

Now research tells us pensioners are spending longer on mobile phones. In the past year, the average amount of time older people spent using mobile phones increased from 36 minutes to 54 minutes a day.

This is in contrast to phone use among young people, which, according to findings, seems to have declined. However, despite the health risks proposed by research, I would argue that in the case of older people, the benefits far outweigh the potential harm. The use of a smartphone or tablet gives this group opportunities to communicate and remain active in the community when mobility is compromised.

I know several older people who are overjoyed to receive photos from younger members of the family — almost daily — and who themselves record events in their lives to send back to the younger relatives. These are all activities that help combat loneliness, depression and the realisation that life is not what it was.

I await further research — but brain damage in the elderly attributable to a modest increase in screen exposure wouldn’t be a worry of mine.