New research suggests that surfing the web could help your brain function better as you get older. Experts have long known that activities like crossword puzzles, playing games like chess, or writing can help protect against declines in cognitive function due to aging. This is known as the “use-it-or-lose-it” approach to brain functioning

This new study is the first time that Internet use has been linked to improved mental acuity in older adults. Researchers discovered that older people who started web surfing saw improved brain function after just a few days. The study found that after only a week of practice, test subjects had greater brain activity, especially in the areas that make decisions.

For the study, reported at the recent Society for Neuroscience annual meeting, researchers had two dozen people aged 55 to 78 surf the web while connected up to an MRI scanner. Twelve participants had previously used the web on a daily basis while the other 12 had little Internet experience.

The adults were asked to perform web searches for an hour on seven out of 14 days. At the start of the study, the group with prior Internet experience had better, more active brain functions. However, after the two week period, those who had just been introduced to the web had nearly caught up with the first group.

So if you are getting older and are worried about your brain declining, stay on the Internet and keep searching.

photo credit: Liz Henry