How Older People Are Reaping Brain Benefits From New Technology
By Paula Span, The New York Times, August 9, 2025
In an age often marked by concerns over digital overuse, particularly among teenagers, new research suggests a compelling counter-narrative: technology may actually help older adults maintain and enhance their cognitive health. As the first generation to navigate a world increasingly shaped by digital tools reaches senior age, scientists are uncovering surprising benefits tied to regular technology use.
A Lifelong Engagement With Technology
For Wanda Woods, now 67, her relationship with technology began decades ago in a high school typing course. Encouraged by her father, she learned typing skills that led to an after-school job at the Environmental Protection Agency, where she operated an early word processor—large, clunky, and reliant on magnetic cards for data storage. “I thought, ‘I kinda like this,’” Ms. Woods recalls.
Her affinity for technology grew over the years. In 2012, when internet use among Americans over 65 surpassed 50 percent for the first time, she launched a computer training business. Today, she teaches seniors through Senior Planet, an AARP-supported initiative in Denver that helps older adults learn modern technology. “Staying involved with tech keeps me in the know,” she said, with no plans to retire.
New Research Challenges the ‘Digital Dementia’ Myth
The notion that digital technology causes cognitive decline—sometimes called “digital dementia”—has been widespread. Yet recent scientific analyses suggest the opposite for older adults. Michael Scullin, a cognitive neuroscientist at Baylor University, notes that among the “digital pioneer generation,” everyday technology use correlates with a lower risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.
“It’s almost akin to hearing from a nutritionist that bacon is good for you,” said Dr. Scullin. Murali Doraiswamy, director of the Neurocognitive Disorders Program at Duke University, finds these findings “refreshing and provocative,” emphasizing the need for further research to better understand the relationship.
Large-Scale Evidence for Cognitive Gains
Dr. Scullin, along with neuropsychologist Jared Benge from the University of Texas at Austin, conducted an extensive analysis of 57 studies involving over 411,000 adults aged 50 and older (average age 69). Their research, published in Nature Human Behavior, found that seniors who regularly used computers, smartphones, and the internet scored better on cognitive tests and had lower rates of dementia diagnoses compared to their less tech-engaged peers.
“This is one of those rare situations where nearly 90 percent of studies point in the same direction,” Dr. Scullin explained. The evidence suggests technology use is associated with cognitive benefits rather than harm, contrasting with concerns fueled by studies on children and adolescents.
Understanding the Distinction Between Age Groups
Much of the apprehension about technology’s impact on cognition comes from research involving young people, whose developing brains can be more vulnerable to issues like attention deficits or behavioral problems linked to excessive screen time. However, older adults, who started adapting to digital tools in midlife, have the advantage of foundational cognitive skills gained earlier in life.
Dr. Walter Boot, a psychologist at Weill Cornell Medicine’s Center on Aging and Behavioral Research, stresses that while short-term brain-training programs often yield limited benefits, long-term adaptation to rapidly changing technology represents “technology use in the wild.” This ongoing challenge to learn and relearn new platforms, apps, and devices may contribute to cognitive resilience.
Unraveling the Cause and Effect
While these findings are promising, researchers acknowledge limitations. It remains unclear whether technology use directly protects cognition or if cognitively healthier individuals are simply more inclined to adopt new tools. Socioeconomic factors, such as access to devices and education, may also play a role.
When adjusting for variables like health status, socioeconomic background, and education, Drs. Scullin and Benge still observed higher cognitive abilities among digital technology users, suggesting a genuine link beyond confounding factors.
Why Technology Might Protect the Brain
Using digital devices presents complex challenges that stimulate cognitive processes. Overcoming the frustrations of software updates, troubleshooting errors, and learning new operating systems engages the brain in problem-solving and adaptation, activities known to benefit cognitive health.
Additionally, digital technology facilitates social connections, which are crucial for mental well-being and dementia prevention. Smartphones and apps also assist with memory by providing reminders and supporting daily tasks like shopping and banking, thus promoting functional independence.
Broader Trends in Cognitive Health Among Seniors
The prevalence of dementia has risen with an aging population. However, the proportion of older adults developing dementia has actually declined in the U.S. and parts of Europe. Researchers attribute this to factors such as reduced smoking rates, higher educational attainment, and improved management of blood pressure. Engagement with technology may also be a contributing factor.
Weighing the Risks and Rewards
Despite clear benefits, digital technologies carry risks for older adults. Online scams and fraud disproportionately target seniors, often resulting in significant financial losses. Disinformation and misinformation pose additional dangers, highlighting the need for digital literacy training.
Moreover, excessive use of digital media, such as binge-watching video content for hours daily, can lead to social isolation. Experts caution that technology should complement, not replace, other brain-healthy activities like physical exercise and nutritious eating.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Tech and Aging
As digital natives—the generations born into a tech-saturated world—age, it remains uncertain whether the cognitive benefits seen in today’s seniors will persist. Technology continues to evolve rapidly, requiring ongoing adaptation. Dr. Boot notes a pattern of initial panic around new technologies, from television and video games to artificial intelligence, followed by eventual acceptance and recognition of potential benefits.
Wanda Woods’ life exemplifies this journey. From mastering early word processors to embracing smartphones, smartwatches, and now AI chatbots like Gemini and ChatGPT, she actively harnesses technology for everyday needs and special occasions alike—including planning an RV trip and a family cruise for her 50th wedding anniversary.
The evolving relationship between older adults and technology offers a hopeful perspective: rather than eroding cognitive abilities, digital engagement may help seniors stay sharp, connected, and empowered in a rapidly changing world.
The New Old Age is produced in partnership with KFF Health News.
