DEPRESSION IN ELDERLY

Depression In Elderly and Internet Use



Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION3

Background3

Statement of the Problem5

Significance of the Problem5

Research Question5

Hypothesis5

LITERATURE REVIEW6

Depression in Elderly6

The Information Society and the Internet7

Older People and Internet Use9

METHODOLOGY10

Sampling Technique10

Selecting and Establishing Research Design10

Sample Size10

Gathering Information11

Data Analysis and Interpretation13

The Right to be informed (Informed Consent)14

The Right to Privacy and Confidentiality14

Deception and Harm15



Depression in Elderly and Internet Use

INTRODUCTION

Background

Our society is being shaped by two significant trends. First, there are the demographic changes and the associated extended life in old age. On the other hand, the global village is undergoing a rapid change and development in the technological field, as we can observe that new technologies are being created day by day. Information and communication are essential components of societal participation, and in our information society increasing use of the Internet enables greater interaction (Selwyn, 2004). The Internet can help one to lead an independent life despite decreasing mobility and increasing age and, therefore, for older people, Internet is becoming increasingly important. Computers and the Internet help to overcome time and distance and can thus facilitate the organization of everyday life of the elderly. Therefore, it is necessary to allow explicit accessible to the elderly, in order that they have access to the potential of news media, and in order to share in the socio-political discourse. As well, participation of older people in the new information and communication technologies is delivering value in itself (Karavidas, Lim & Katsikas, 2005).

Internet use increases the intellectual performance in older people. Internet searches could enhance cognitive and brain function in people over 55, according to a study by the University of California. The researchers found that adults with little Web experience were able to trigger key centers in the brain that control decision making and complex reasoning after a week surfing the net. As the brain ages, it undergoes a variety of structural and functional changes including atrophy, decreased cellular activity and increase in deposits of amyloid plaques affecting cognitive activity. This can result in diseases such as Alzeheimer's. The results suggest the task of looking for something online can be an easy way to exercise the brain to improve cognition in older people (Gal & Prisant, 2003). One of the worst things that can happen to the elderly is neglected feelings. Millions of web pages are not only sites devoted to young people, but also concerning a series of activities related to adults and older adults, dedicated to health news and other issues as well as more leisure and information from books, travel, music, sports, culture and society. The Internet is an excellent form of communication and even better exercise for the brain. While Internet use has a role in stimulating the brain mechanisms, it is important that it be combined with family activities and practice activities that have demonstrated efficacy in preventing cognitive impairment (Dickinson & Gregor, 2006).

In this regard, the study conducted by Bargh & McKenna (2004) is important to mention that was published in Annual Review of ...