Social Media and Older Adults: Understanding Cognitive Training and Social Network

Abstract

The literature on technology, cognitive training, and social network of older adults are reviewed through the lens of social inclusion. Technology has enhanced the lives of children to older adults with training, information, and social connections over the internet. Yet, as technology has advanced, those born before the significance of the internet of things (IoT) have minimal exposure to enhance the quality of their lives. Older adults are digital immigrants, those born before personal computers and the IoT became part of everyday life. One might propose that with equal instruction and access to technology, digital immigrants are able to navigate technology regardless of their age. However, research shows that the aging population faces significant training, device, and technical obstacles, which are different from those of digital natives. This review is a foundation for how interventions in older adult speed of processing and social network might support future experimental research.