An exploratory study of internet use pattern, cognitive flexibility and quality of life in elderly population

Internet use has been rapidly increasing across all age groups, however, not much attention has been given towards its use in the elderly population. Internet use in the elderly population has been linked to an impact on their cognitive functioning as well as an overall quality of life which includes both personal and interpersonal aspects. The present study aimed to explore the pattern of internet use and its association with the quality of life and cognitive flexibility in old age. A total of 50 subjects (both males and females), who were in the age group of 60-75 years, were selected by purposive sampling method. Stroop Neuropsychological Screening Test (Trenerry, M.R., Crosson, B., Deboe, J., and Leber, W.R., 1989): and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life-Old Module (WHOQOL-BREF) were administered to assess cognitive flexibility and quality of life, respectively. Results indicated greater internet use in males and the average duration of internet use in this group was 1 hour 20 minutes, Findings indicate that among the elderly population internet use has a positive relationship with cognitive flexibility, but a negative relationship with the overall quality of life. It suggests that internet use may improve their cognitive functioning however quality of life may be compromised.