Why spending time on your phone and computer is good for your brain, received from Saga, 2026 01 06

[Colin Howard]

Greetings,

I believe I benefit from this, though don't spend much time on my phone!

New research reveals that computer and phone time may actually keep our
minds sharper for longer as we get older.
By Jayne Cherrington-Cook | Published - 19 Dec 2025

Most of us have heard the warnings - screens are ruining our attention
spans, eroding our memory and turning us all into goldfish. However, science
is now hinting at something quite surprising. Far from harming your brain,
using your phone or computer might actually help keep it nimble and engaged
as you get older.

In fact, according to a recent meta-analysis of 57 studies, adults over 50
who regularly use digital technology - think internet browsing, messaging,
video calls, emailing, even Googling how to descale the kettle - had a 58%
lower risk of cognitive impairment.

For many of us, getting older and using tech feels like a series of small
misunderstandings, whether it's the button you can't find, the screen that
won't behave or the tablet that acts like it has a mind of its own, but it
seems these everyday tussles may be doing us a favour. Could your phone
actually be helping your brain stay younger?

The surprising science of screen time

1. Complexity

Every time you search for a recipe, look up train times or navigate a
website that has inexplicably moved the button you need, your brain is
solving problems, learning new pathways and engaging in the sort of
cognitive effort we know supports memory and attention.

UCLA's brain-imaging study found that older adults performing internet
searches activated more neural activity in key decision-making and reasoning
areas than those reading a book.

And it's not just browsing. Digital games can give the ageing brain a
surprising boost too. In one experiment, older adults playing specially
designed computer games improved their memory, attention and processing
speed, gains that stuck around long after the games ended.

While no-one's suggesting you become a gamer in your seventies, a few
well-chosen puzzles or strategy apps can deliver a brain workout without
breaking a sweat.

2. Connection

Tech keeps us talking and that matters more than almost anything else.

Whether it's video calls with the family, messaging in WhatsApp groups or
taking online classes, it all strengthens social ties, which research
consistently links to better brain health and lower dementia risk.

One long-term study, following thousands of adults, found that regular
internet users had a significantly lower risk of dementia over the
eight-year follow-up period.

3. Compensation

Digital tools help us manage daily life from calendars to health apps and
even maps. They take the pressure off memory and executive function,
reducing cognitive strain and helping people maintain independence for
longer.

There's also evidence that learning new digital skills, like email,
photography or basic computing, can improve memory and cognitive
flexibility.

Put together, it's a powerful trio, not because technology magically
protects us, but because it helps us stay engaged, connected and stimulated,
three things the ageing brain thrives on.

But not everyone feels confident using tech

You might think the biggest barrier to getting online is simply not owning
the right device. But according to Emma Weston, OBE, CEO of Digital Unite,
the reality is more complicated.

"Everyone needs three things to be online - data, a device and
skills/confidence," Weston says. "This is called the 'pointless triangle'.
There's no point having one or two out of three, you need them all."

Even when someone has the kit, emotional barriers often come first, explains
Weston.

Fear

"People are frightened that they'll open themselves up to online fraud -
that they might give away information or inadvertently commit to things that
aren't genuine or they don't want," Weston says. "It's really sensible to be
cautious but there are lots of good ways to protect yourself.'

Digital Unite has lots of great free resources on keeping yourself safe
online, while organisations such as Age UK and Get Safe Online also offer
clear, trustworthy guidance.

Shame

"There's no reason why anyone should automatically understand how digital
devices work particularly if it's not something they've grown up with, but
older people can often feel that it's a weakness not to understand it or
their fault." says Weston.

Lack of interest

Some people simply don't see the point of going online, until they discover
something they genuinely want to do. Weston says: "People who don't use the
internet at all often don't understand why they'd want to."

Why confidence improves brain health too

Building digital skills isn't just practical - it's cognitively powerful.

Learning something new, especially something challenging, strengthens neural
connections and boosts resilience, the brain's version of going to the gym.

And it works. Studies show that tackling new digital skills improves memory
and enhances attention, particularly when the learning is meaningful, social
or linked to personal interests.

How to build digital confidence

If you've spent years politely avoiding screens, the idea of getting online
can feel overwhelming. But according to Weston, confidence grows quickest
when you keep things simple: start with what you love, stay safe and take it
one small step at a time.

Follow your interests: Starting with something meaningful makes learning
feel natural rather than a chore. "Don't try to learn digital skills for the
sake of it," Weston says. "If you love food, travel, crafting or saving
money, begin there - the skills will follow."

Know how to stay safe: A little confidence goes a long way when you
understand the basics of online safety. Weston recommends Digital Unite's
free course.

Take it slow: "It's a new skill, so learn in small steps and short
sessions," Weston advises. "Keep at it, it doesn't happen overnight."

Get help from someone you trust: "Help with digital skills are often
best from people you and trust know already, or as part of other activities
you're doing, rather than something separate," she says.

When tech helps (and when it doesn't)

Not all screen time is created equal. A 2023 study found a U-shaped curve.
Moderate daily internet use was linked with a lower risk of dementia, but
very heavy use nudged that risk back up again.

In other words, the brain benefits most from active, engaging screen time -
learning, searching, connecting - rather than the passive, endless scrolling
of cute cat videos that leaves you wondering where the last hour went.

Tech works best when it sits alongside the basics of good living such as
movement, real-world socialising, sunshine and sleep. The lesson isn't to
use your phone more, but to use it with curiosity and purpose.

And if someone tells you to "get off your phone", you can always smile and
say: "Actually, I'm building cognitive resilience. What are you doing?"

Written by: Jayne Cherrington-Cook

Jayne cut her online journalism teeth 24 years ago in an era when a dialling
tone and slow page load were standard. During this time, she's written about
a variety of subjects and is just at home road-testing TVs as she is
interviewing TV stars.

A diverse career has seen Jayne launch websites for popular magazines,
collaborate with top brands, write regularly for major publications
including Woman&Home, Yahoo! and The Daily Telegraph, create a podcast, and
also write a tech column for Women's Own.


Colin Howard, living in Southern England, hopes you and your family,
acquaintances and friends are enjoying a peaceful, prosperous and happy
2026.