Basic Internet Skills can Help Seniors Overcome Loneliness: Health Experts

Seniors can overcome loneliness by learning to use facebook, emailing and basic Internet tools, according to British experts.

A recent report by the U.K's Center For Policy Studies suggests the government may incur approximately $ 1476 million by 2020 to train nearly 6.5 million elderly citizens with basic internet and social media skills. But, it can definitely transform  the cost into 'huge' economic and social benefit by keeping the older people connected to their family and friends online. According to the data by the agency, almost 40 percent of the population aged 65 and above does not have access to internet connectivity and over five million people have never used the internet till now, reports the BBC news.

 "In an increasingly isolated and fast moving world it is vital that everyone in society is able to use the internet and understand its benefits," said Eddie Copeland, study author, reports the Independent.

"From alleviating social isolation, bringing together communities, paying bills and now accessing public services, online can improve lives. Being able to simply write an email or access a social networking site could provide older people with a way to stay connected to their friends and families, who may live hundreds of miles away."

Owing to age induced disabilities, poor health conditions and work transitions, seniors have limited social life and interaction with their families and peers. As a result, they fall prey to depression and develop suicidal tendencies caused by isolation. Elderly men and women suffering from depression and loneliness have increased risk of suffering from memory loss, mental decline, geriatric anorexia and its physical consequences like accidents and injuries.

Although execution of these plans may currently seem heavy on the government's pocket, it will eventually help avoid unnecessary expenditure on health care and counseling for lonely elders. About one in 10 older individuals despite having no illnesses seek consultations from doctors just to deal with loneliness.

 The officials believe increased Internet usage among the elderly can ease the annual financial burden of $2.87 billion for employment and payment to staff who work in call centers. However, experts believe apart from developing virtual socializing skills, getting real social interaction and contact is equally important.

"The internet offers older people a range of benefits, including making savings and keeping in touch with loved ones. However regular social contact and support enabling older people to leave the house and socialize within their community is just as important as getting online in helping relieve loneliness," said Caroline Abrahams the director of a charity organization in the U.K called Age, reports the Independent.

Earlier study reports found Internet use was linked to 33 percent reduction of depression rates in American retirees.  The survey results by the Age revealed about 10 percent of retired seniors described themselves to be very lonely.