Good news about internet use

Only 7% of Americans say that they don’t use the Internet. But, according to Pew Research, it varies from just 1% of those ages 18 to 29 years old to fully 25% of folks ages 65 and older. For those older folks, that’s a shame. A study just found that using the Internet regularly cuts your risk of dementia in half — and the most benefit comes from using it around two hours a day.

Researchers from NYU followed 18,154 dementiafree adults, age 50 to just under age 65, for up to 17 years. They found that regardless of a person’s level of education, race-ethnicity, sex or generation, internet usage cut their dementia risk by 50%.

Why would getting online make a difference? Learning, playing games, connecting with friends, having a posse and a purpose all contribute to a younger ActualAge (discover yours at Longevity Playbook. com) and protect you from cognition loss.

If you don’t have a computer at home, visit your local library to get online —and while you’re there, check online for www. GetInternet.gov, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline. They are federal government programs that help eligible households pay for internet services and internet connected devices. And you may be able to pair your benefits with one of the partnered internet providers at www. whitehouse.gov/getinternet to receive free highspeed internet.

So however you do it, the rewards of being and staying connected to the greater world and all that new technology offers can improve your quality of life today — and for many tomorrows.