Are Asian American Boomers Enjoying Technology?
By Najla Zaidi | 25 Aug, 2025

Older Asian Americans may not be enjoying as many benefits of using technology to stay sharp and stave off loneliness and mental decline.

New technology, long thought to be a menace to children and adolescents, is offering older adults brain health benefits by establishing social connections, providing digital tools to counteract cognitive decline, and possibly stimulating cognitive function through active engagement. 

A large-scale study examining data from more than 411,000 adults ages 50 and older found that engaging with digital devices may help protect against cognitive decline and dementia.   “Greater use of everyday digital technologies was associated with reduced odds for cognitive decline.”  People who regularly used devices had a 58% lower risk of brain impairment or dementia, researchers found.

By comparison, lowering blood pressure can reduce dementia risk by 13%, regular physical activity by 35%, higher education by up to 47%, and brain games and other cognitively stimulating leisure activities by 31%, researchers wrote.

“The generation that brought us the digital revolution is now reaching the age where dementia risks emerge,” said Jared Benge, Ph.D., co-author of the study and board-certified neuropsychologist at UT Health Austin’s Comprehensive Memory Center.  “Far from causing ‘digital dementia,’ as some feared, we found technology engagement is consistently linked to better brain health, even after accounting for education, income and physical health.”

The analysis of 57 studies showing tech users had lower odds of cognitive impairment and reduced rates of decline over time was observed across computer, smartphone and internet use.  The study also showed brain protection remained strong in both snapshot and multiyear studies. 

The positive effects persisted even when controlling for socioeconomic factors, education and health conditions.  Positive effects were found in both the 50-65 age group and those older than 65.

The study also introduced “technological reserve” as a new protective factor against cognitive decline.  Just as education and lifelong learning help the brain resist damage, using technology may strengthen the brain’s ability to withstand age-related changes, possibly through various pathways including challenging the mind with new learning, maintaining social connections, and creating digital systems that help compensate for normal age-related memory changes.

One of the biggest problems for the elderly is loneliness which has been linked to mental decline.   Digital technology allows older adults to stay connected with friends and family through social media, email, and video calls, which can help combat social isolation and possibly slow cognitive decline.  Studies show that staying socially connected is crucial for maintaining brain health and reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease.  In addition, technology can promote social interactions by helping organize get-togethers and support groups. 

VIDEO GAMES

Many people think of video games as only for kids.  However, almost one-third of Americans who play video games are aged 50 or older, according to data from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA).

A study conducted by North Carolina State University found that both regular and occasional video gamers aged 63 and up reported better social functioning and socioemotional health than non-gamers.  They also reported significantly lower rates of depression among people who play video games than those who do not.  In addition to social connections, digital technology provides “digital scaffolding” to prevent cognitive decline. 

Smart phones, and other devices can provide "digital scaffolding" by offering reminders for medication, appointments, and other daily tasks, helping older adults maintain independence longer and manage age-related cognitive changes.  These prompts can also help with financial tasks like paying bills, further supporting autonomy.  This way, devices can help prop people up even as their brains begin to experience age-related decline. 

Digital devices have also been shown to aid with cognitive stimulation and problem-solving.  “These devices represent complex new challenges,” said Michael Scullin, a cognitive neuroscientist at Baylor University and co-author of the study.   “If you don’t give up on them, if you push through the frustration, you’re engaging in the same challenges that studies have shown to be cognitively beneficial.”

Even handling the constant updates, the troubleshooting and often annoying new operating systems might prove advantageous.  “Having to relearn something is another positive mental challenge,” he added. 

Digital games and apps, mainly ones that involve puzzles and strategic thinking, can provide cognitive training and enhance memory, problem-solving, and multitasking skills.  

A study published by the National Institute on Aging found that video games can significantly improve memory function in older adults experiencing age-related cognitive decline.  The research showed that video games provide novel environments that stimulate the hippocampus, the brain region critical for memory.  For seniors who may be homebound, these virtual environments offer an engaging way to keep their brains active and healthy. 

Playing video games exercises a gamer’s memory, especially short-term memory.  Even playing occasionally can help seniors remember things like names, addresses, phone numbers, dates and times better than they do without video game stimulation.  They also force players to switch quickly between different tasks, which can lead to increased mental flexibility and multi-tasking ability for seniors.  

ASIAN AMERICANS

The rates for Asian Americans using technology aren't up to par with their counterparts.

Elderly Asian Americans use technology, but their rates of use are lower than White older adults and vary based on factors like English proficiency, immigration status, socioeconomic status, and age.  

While some older Asian Americans are proficient in using specific apps, such as WeChat or KakaoTalk, for communication, the overall trend shows a digital divide, with many facing barriers to using the internet for complex tasks like online banking or health information. 

According to studies, limited English proficiency is a major barrier to technology adoption along with socioeconomic status where lower income and educational attainment are associated with reduced internet use.  In addition, older Asian Americans who are not US-born are less likely to use technology. 

Older adults with less education are more likely to use the internet only for emails and texting, while college-educated individuals engage in online shopping, banking, and health-related tasks, studies show. 

Age also plays a factor, where younger older adults within the Asian American population tend to have higher use compared to older age groups.  Also, some older Asian Americans, especially immigrants, may experience fear or mistrust of new technologies.  Studies show that there is a need for more culturally relevant technology education and support for Asian Americans.

Like anything that's good for you, it should be done in moderation. Just scrolling through your phone or binge-watching Netflix is unhealthy and not advised.  However, “Our data suggests encouraging older adults to engage with technology, particularly in a manner that helps challenge, connect and compensate for cognitive problems, could be a powerful approach to promoting cognitive health,” Benge said.