In a finding that challenges long-held fears about the dangers of digital devices, a major new analysis reveals that older adults who regularly use smartphones and other digital technologies tend to experience slower rates of cognitive decline. The research, published in the highly regarded journal Nature Human Behaviour, analyzed data from more than 400,000 people over age 50 and concluded that routine digital device usage is associated with better cognitive functioning—offering hopeful news for Thailand’s rapidly greying population and its increasingly connected elderly.
The significance of these findings cannot be overstated, especially in the Thai context where the aging society—the so-called “สังคมผู้สูงอายุ” (sangkhom phu suung ayu)—is a key demographic challenge and concerns about dementia loom large in public health policy. Up until now, many experts and members of the public have voiced worries that modern screen-based lifestyles might contribute to what has been dubbed “digital dementia,” where long-term use of devices like smartphones and tablets could supposedly impair memory and thinking skills in later life. However, this latest meta-analysis led by Dr. Jared Benge of UT Health Austin and Dr. Michael Scullin of Baylor University offers robust evidence to the contrary, at least for the current generation of digital users.
Their analysis reviewed 57 global studies covering 411,430 adults, most with an average age of 69, all of whom had completed cognitive tests or received formal cognitive evaluations. The researchers found no empirical support for the digital dementia hypothesis. Instead, older adults who used computers, smartphones, the internet, or combinations thereof were shown to be less likely to suffer cognitive impairment compared to peers with less digital exposure. As Dr. Benge explained, “This is a more hopeful message than one might expect given concerns about brain rot, brain drain, and digital dementia” (The Guardian).
Intriguingly, the research suggests a complex feedback loop at play: while people with sharper cognitive skills may be more likely to engage with digital tools, using these tools may itself help preserve or even enhance brain function. Dr. Benge described the likely importance of the “three Cs”—complexity, connection, and compensatory behaviours. Devices encourage older adults to engage in cognitively complex activities, foster social interaction, and can empower users to compensate for age-related declines, such as using GPS navigation, reminders for medication, or managing finances online.
Crucially, the benefits depend on the type and quality of engagement, as noted by Dr. Scullin: “Using digital devices in the way that we use televisions—passive and sedentary, both physically and mentally—is not likely to be beneficial. But, our computers and smartphones also can be mentally stimulating, afford social connections, and provide compensation for cognitive abilities that are declining with ageing. These latter types of uses have long been regarded as beneficial for cognitive ageing.”
The findings have wide-reaching implications in countries like Thailand, where the government has prioritized healthy aging and the digital transformation of society. The use of smartphones among Thai seniors has spiked in recent years, with reports by the National Statistical Office indicating that as of 2024, more than 60% of Thais over 60 years old use smartphones, largely for communication, health information, and digital payments. Yet, many older adults still face barriers to digital adoption, including design complexity, digital literacy gaps, and affordability.
Prof. Peter Etchells of Bath Spa University praised the systematic approach of the study, remarking, “This is a really nice study that shows the research area is starting to mature. It’s starting to move beyond the blind acceptance that screen time is something useful to talk about. It’s starting to pose what the next questions should be.” Sam Gilbert, a cognitive neuroscience professor at University College London, said there is “a clear link” between digital device usage and preserved cognitive ability in older age, while emphasizing that causality may move both ways—a notion echoed in comments by Dr. Vincent O’Sullivan of the University of Limerick (The Guardian).
For Thai society, the positive association between digital technology and cognitive health offers an avenue for practical policy interventions. Programs aimed at bridging the digital divide among Thai elders—such as smartphone training sessions at community centers, government-subsidized devices, or accessible digital health platforms—could indirectly foster cognitive resilience at the population level. In regions like the North, where rates of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s have been traditionally higher due to aging demographics, digital literacy might become as crucial as traditional health promotion campaigns.
Historically, Thailand’s reverence for older generations—expressed culturally through events such as Songkran’s “วันผู้สูงอายุแห่งชาติ” (National Elderly Day)—has focused on physical health, social participation, and provision of care within extended families. The rise of the “connected grandparent” (คุณตา-คุณยายดิจิทัล) may signal a transformation in the societal role and expectations of the elderly, elevating their participation in digital economies and social networks.
Concerns do remain, particularly the risk of digital exclusion for older adults who cannot or do not wish to use technology. There is also the need to guard against potential risks, including online scams, misinformation, and the potential negative effects of excessive screen time if used passively rather than for mental stimulation or social interaction. The authors of the study caution that not all digital usage confers equal benefits: interactive, intentional activities like messaging, information searches, and brain-training apps are likely more beneficial than simply browsing social media or watching online videos.
Looking ahead, further research is expected to examine which types of digital interactions most effectively support healthy brain aging, and to clarify the direction of causality. Meanwhile, health professionals in Thailand may wish to encourage safe and active digital engagement as part of a holistic approach to aging well. Families can support their elders by teaching digital skills and exploring stimulating online activities together, such as participating in digital สวดมนต์ (chanting), playing puzzle games, or joining online communities centered on crafts, gardening, or local culture.
For Thai policy makers, this research supports investments in age-friendly digital infrastructure, community-based tech education, and safeguards against digital harm. Regular cognitive screenings for seniors, coupled with digital literacy programs, could be incorporated into public health strategies. As Thailand stands at the intersection of advanced digital transformation and demographic aging, fostering “brain health through digital inclusion” may become a cornerstone of national well-being.
In summary, the message for Thai อ่านออนไลน์ (online readers), caregivers, and policy leaders is clear: thoughtfully integrating digital technology into the lives of older adults is not only safe but could be a vital strategy for maintaining cognitive health and independence in later life. As opportunities for lifelong learning and digital participation expand, embracing new tools may help preserve memory, thinking skills, and social bonds—ensuring that elders remain “เพชรน้ำหนึ่งของชาติ” (“the nation’s treasured diamonds”) well into the digital age.
For more details and the full study, see the original coverage in The Guardian and Nature Human Behaviour. Thai readers and caregivers are advised to encourage active, purposeful use of smartphones among older family members, focusing on activities that challenge the mind and build social connection. For those not yet comfortable with the digital world, community centers and youth volunteers can play a key role in making these benefits widely accessible.