Seniors and the Internet: 27 Percent Are “Virtual Shut-Ins,” Survey Finds

More than one-quarter of seniors 80-plus (27 percent) are “virtual shut-ins” unable or not interested in using the Internet or social networking as a result of their inability to use the Internet or the need for assistance, according to “Rewiring Aging.” Sponsored by Brookdale Senior Living and conducted by market researchers at Kelton in collaboration with the Stanford Center on Longevity, the survey is the first in-depth study to examine how online social networking and the use of other digital telecommunications technology can improve well-being and quality of life among seniors, the fastest growing demographic segment in the US.

The negative effects of being virtual shut-ins are akin to those of seniors who are isolated and unable to venture out due to physical disabilities or cognitive impairment, the researchers found. Virtual shut-ins reported lower overall satisfaction with life, poorer physical health and greater loneliness than the survey group in its entirety. However, nearly 6 in 10 seniors surveyed said they believed communication with family and friends could improve through the use of technology. Those who use social networking technology said they were more satisfied with their lives, were healthier and were more likely to achieve life goals than those who did not.