Internet Use Corresponds to Anti-Aging Health Habits

Being Internet-savvy appears to be predictive of other anti-aging behaviors, such as being more likely to exercise, consume healthy diet, or get cancer screenings. Christian von Wagner, from the University College London (United Kingdom), and who studied data collected on 5943 men and women enrolled in the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, ages 50 years and older. Subjects were surveyed every two years for their demographics, mental abilities, physical activity, diet and of cancer screenings. As well, they were asked about their Internet and e-mail usage. The researchers found that 41% of the participants said they did not use the Internet, 38% reported using the Internet sporadically, and 20% were online on a regular basis. Data revealed that both men and women who use the Internet regularly were 50% more likely to exercise, and 24% more likely to consume five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Frankly Internet users were also less likely to smoke, and more likely to be screened for colorectal cancer.   Concluding that: “Internet use showed a quantitative association with cancer-preventive behaviors,” the study authors encourage for “promoting Internet use among older adults from all backgrounds [to] contribute to improving cancer outcomes and reducing inequalities.”