According to research, internet use can actually boost the brain activity of those of us in our Third Age, potentially slowing or even reversing the onset of dementia.

By monitoring brain scans, scientists at the University of California discovered that the mind was more greatly stimulated by the internet than simply by reading because of the multi-tasking skills involved in using the internet.

They also found that the effect of the mental stimulation derived from using the internet lasted long afterwards.

“We found that for older people with minimal experience, performing internet searches for even a relatively short period of time can change brain activity patterns and enhance function,” said Gary Small, professor of neuroscience and human behaviour at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

The research argues that brains are similar to muscles in that the more they are exercised, the more efficient they will become and the healthier they will be.