We all know that physical activity and mental stimulation are vital for keeping our brains sharp and to protectg against dementia. But what about those activities that involve more sitting than learning? Enter television - a common pastime among Australians of all ages.

In recent years, as social media, Netflix, and other digital entertainment platforms have gained popularity among younger generations, television viewership among older adults remains steadfast.

But what does science have to say about TV's impact on cognitive health in ageing populations? The answer may surprise you

Researchers have delved into this topic, grappling with inconsistent findings that have made it challenging to draw definitive conclusions.

However, a groundbreaking 2019 study shed new light on the issue, revealing that watching television for more than 3.5 hours a day could be linked to memory decline and language difficulties in older adults.

TV is still the top form of entertainment for older adults. Credit: Unsplash/Glenn Carstens-Peters.

This begs the question: Could it be that TV is directly responsible for deteriorating mental capacity in older adults, or is it simply a case of those with early-stage dementia spending more time in front of the screen out of boredom?

Adding to the puzzle is recent research that has turned the tables on conventional wisdom. A study published just last year explored the relationship between TV and computer use and the risk of dementia among older individuals — and the findings were nothing short of intriguing.

The study revealed that watching more than 4 hours of television a day was associated with a staggering 24% higher risk of developing dementia. In contrast, those who engaged in interactive computer use for leisure, spending more than 1 hour daily, had a remarkably 15% lower risk of cognitive decline.

Renowned dementia expert, Professor Henry Brodaty, offers a cautionary note on the potential link between television and dementia.

While studies have shed light on the association between TV viewing and cognitive decline in older adults, Professor Brodaty urges against placing undue reliance on TV as a sole factor.

Some studies suggest that watching a lot of television can increase your risk of cognitive decline. Credit: Unsplash/CardMapr.nl.

According to the expert, there are likely to be deeper driving factors at play, beyond television, that contribute to the risk of dementia. Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and other lifestyle factors may also have a significant impact on cognitive health.

In light of this, Professor Brodaty emphasises the importance of maintaining a holistic approach to brain health.

Staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in intentional activities that challenge the mind, such as reading news articles or solving crossword puzzles (like the ones on the SDC website!), can all play a crucial role in promoting cognitive well-being.

Furthermore, Professor Brodaty highlights the value of social connections and community engagement, both online and offline. Spending quality time with loved ones and participating in activities that foster social interaction can be beneficial for brain health as well.

Key Takeaways

• TV viewing in older adults has been linked to cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia, but renowned dementia expert Professor Brodaty cautions against solely attributing this to TV alone.
• Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and other lifestyle factors may also play a role in cognitive health and should be considered in a holistic approach.
• Professor Brodaty emphasises the importance of engaging in intentional brain-boosting activities, fostering social connections, and taking a multifaceted approach to safeguard brain health.

Did you know that over 400,000 Australians are living with dementia? Shockingly, two-thirds of them are women.

But fear not, as renowned Professor Ralph Martins from Macquarie University is leading the charge in a groundbreaking new trial that could change the game for dementia prevention.

It's important to aim for regular physical exercise and healthy eating to keep your mind sharp.Credit: Unsplash/Robina Weermeijer.

Professor Martins envisions a future where medication and lifestyle changes could become powerful tools in preserving the brain, just like how cholesterol is managed to protect the heart.

With 600 volunteers recruited for his cutting-edge study, the potential for a breakthrough is within reach. Want to know more? Check out our report on this development by clicking here.

As science continues to uncover the complex relationship between TV viewing and brain health, it's clear that the impact goes beyond just passive entertainment.

With intriguing studies revealing potential links between excessive TV watching and cognitive decline in older adults, it's essential to consider the broader context of lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, physical activity, and mental stimulation.


Members, how much TV do you watch in a day? Are you taking proactive steps to safeguard your brain health? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments!

 

[Zemo]

Ayep, that's why it's known as the cretiniser.

 

[JayEeGeeP]

Watching the hideous reality shows would be enough to give anyone dementia and that wouldn't take three hours of viewing each day. One show a week is enough to send anyone crackers.

 

[Penny4]

Well that's an easy solution to avoid dementia. Don't watch TV and we won't develop it!

 

[Ian Crane-Luff]

Being housebound through injury I spend much of my days using my computer to read the papers, do interactive connections all around the world, and undertake surveys. I usually start at around 7 am and finish at 9 pm I then go to bed and watch TV for about an hour and again at 5 am for the news broadcasts, I'm nearly 85yrs young have clarity of thought, enjoy having debates on various subjects, still drive on occasion but not long trips as I'm on oxygen and for short trips such as going to my GP I use my mobility scooter, I also enjoy a few glasses of red wine daily, I think my computer use is my saving grace as it keeps my brain active.

 

[Zemo]

Well that's an easy solution to avoid dementia. Don't watch TV and we won't develop it!

Nobody's saying not to watch it, just to take particular notice of the crap that's served up by the channels. and then avoid 99% of it.

 

[Isis]

We all know that physical activity and mental stimulation are vital for keeping our brains sharp and to protectg against dementia. But what about those activities that involve more sitting than learning? Enter television - a common pastime among Australians of all ages.

In recent years, as social media, Netflix, and other digital entertainment platforms have gained popularity among younger generations, television viewership among older adults remains steadfast.

But what does science have to say about TV's impact on cognitive health in ageing populations? The answer may surprise you

Researchers have delved into this topic, grappling with inconsistent findings that have made it challenging to draw definitive conclusions.

However, a groundbreaking 2019 study shed new light on the issue, revealing that watching television for more than 3.5 hours a day could be linked to memory decline and language difficulties in older adults.

View attachment 17288

TV is still the top form of entertainment for older adults. Credit: Unsplash/Glenn Carstens-Peters.

This begs the question: Could it be that TV is directly responsible for deteriorating mental capacity in older adults, or is it simply a case of those with early-stage dementia spending more time in front of the screen out of boredom?

Adding to the puzzle is recent research that has turned the tables on conventional wisdom. A study published just last year explored the relationship between TV and computer use and the risk of dementia among older individuals — and the findings were nothing short of intriguing.

The study revealed that watching more than 4 hours of television a day was associated with a staggering 24% higher risk of developing dementia. In contrast, those who engaged in interactive computer use for leisure, spending more than 1 hour daily, had a remarkably 15% lower risk of cognitive decline.

Renowned dementia expert, Professor Henry Brodaty, offers a cautionary note on the potential link between television and dementia.

While studies have shed light on the association between TV viewing and cognitive decline in older adults, Professor Brodaty urges against placing undue reliance on TV as a sole factor.

View attachment 17289

Some studies suggest that watching a lot of television can increase your risk of cognitive decline. Credit: Unsplash/CardMapr.nl.

According to the expert, there are likely to be deeper driving factors at play, beyond television, that contribute to the risk of dementia. Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and other lifestyle factors may also have a significant impact on cognitive health.

In light of this, Professor Brodaty emphasises the importance of maintaining a holistic approach to brain health.

Staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in intentional activities that challenge the mind, such as reading news articles or solving crossword puzzles (like the ones on the SDC website!), can all play a crucial role in promoting cognitive well-being.

Furthermore, Professor Brodaty highlights the value of social connections and community engagement, both online and offline. Spending quality time with loved ones and participating in activities that foster social interaction can be beneficial for brain health as well.

Key Takeaways

• TV viewing in older adults has been linked to cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia, but renowned dementia expert Professor Brodaty cautions against solely attributing this to TV alone.
• Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and other lifestyle factors may also play a role in cognitive health and should be considered in a holistic approach.
• Professor Brodaty emphasises the importance of engaging in intentional brain-boosting activities, fostering social connections, and taking a multifaceted approach to safeguard brain health.

Did you know that over 400,000 Australians are living with dementia? Shockingly, two-thirds of them are women.

But fear not, as renowned Professor Ralph Martins from Macquarie University is leading the charge in a groundbreaking new trial that could change the game for dementia prevention.

View attachment 17290

It's important to aim for regular physical exercise and healthy eating to keep your mind sharp.Credit: Unsplash/Robina Weermeijer.

Professor Martins envisions a future where medication and lifestyle changes could become powerful tools in preserving the brain, just like how cholesterol is managed to protect the heart.

With 600 volunteers recruited for his cutting-edge study, the potential for a breakthrough is within reach. Want to know more? Check out our report on this development by clicking here.

As science continues to uncover the complex relationship between TV viewing and brain health, it's clear that the impact goes beyond just passive entertainment.

With intriguing studies revealing potential links between excessive TV watching and cognitive decline in older adults, it's essential to consider the broader context of lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, physical activity, and mental stimulation.


Members, how much TV do you watch in a day? Are you taking proactive steps to safeguard your brain health? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments!

At 82 I watch heaps, been addicted to tv since it first aired. You can only read so many books. Cognitive decline? Maybe but when you watch 4 episodes of jeopardy one mastermind plus a few others per day and get over 50% correct I guess I can hold off dementia for a while.

 

[Penny4]

Nobody's saying not to watch it, just to take particular notice of the crap that's served up by the channels. and then avoid 99% of it.

That was a tongue in cheek reply by me. I love watching cable tv plus free to air. However, not all day!

 

[Nana Zorak]

Ayep, that's why it's known as the cretiniser.

I have never heard it called that. I watch from 5.30 pm until I go to bed at 10. 30pm So by your reckoning I should be at 85 ga-ga! but I still have the very high IQ I have always had. but then I do spend time reading writing poetry & short stories& doing various craft work all by myself as I love the isolation that we had in lockdown. I am very happy with myself!

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Chicken and egg? Does watching TV cause Dementia or does Dementia cause TV watching?
Pretty sure it causes the "creative processes" that gave us Reality TV.....

 

[Catherines]

We all know that physical activity and mental stimulation are vital for keeping our brains sharp and to protectg against dementia. But what about those activities that involve more sitting than learning? Enter television - a common pastime among Australians of all ages.

In recent years, as social media, Netflix, and other digital entertainment platforms have gained popularity among younger generations, television viewership among older adults remains steadfast.

But what does science have to say about TV's impact on cognitive health in ageing populations? The answer may surprise you

Researchers have delved into this topic, grappling with inconsistent findings that have made it challenging to draw definitive conclusions.

However, a groundbreaking 2019 study shed new light on the issue, revealing that watching television for more than 3.5 hours a day could be linked to memory decline and language difficulties in older adults.

View attachment 17288

TV is still the top form of entertainment for older adults. Credit: Unsplash/Glenn Carstens-Peters.

This begs the question: Could it be that TV is directly responsible for deteriorating mental capacity in older adults, or is it simply a case of those with early-stage dementia spending more time in front of the screen out of boredom?

Adding to the puzzle is recent research that has turned the tables on conventional wisdom. A study published just last year explored the relationship between TV and computer use and the risk of dementia among older individuals — and the findings were nothing short of intriguing.

The study revealed that watching more than 4 hours of television a day was associated with a staggering 24% higher risk of developing dementia. In contrast, those who engaged in interactive computer use for leisure, spending more than 1 hour daily, had a remarkably 15% lower risk of cognitive decline.

Renowned dementia expert, Professor Henry Brodaty, offers a cautionary note on the potential link between television and dementia.

While studies have shed light on the association between TV viewing and cognitive decline in older adults, Professor Brodaty urges against placing undue reliance on TV as a sole factor.

View attachment 17289

Some studies suggest that watching a lot of television can increase your risk of cognitive decline. Credit: Unsplash/CardMapr.nl.

According to the expert, there are likely to be deeper driving factors at play, beyond television, that contribute to the risk of dementia. Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and other lifestyle factors may also have a significant impact on cognitive health.

In light of this, Professor Brodaty emphasises the importance of maintaining a holistic approach to brain health.

Staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in intentional activities that challenge the mind, such as reading news articles or solving crossword puzzles (like the ones on the SDC website!), can all play a crucial role in promoting cognitive well-being.

Furthermore, Professor Brodaty highlights the value of social connections and community engagement, both online and offline. Spending quality time with loved ones and participating in activities that foster social interaction can be beneficial for brain health as well.

Key Takeaways

• TV viewing in older adults has been linked to cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia, but renowned dementia expert Professor Brodaty cautions against solely attributing this to TV alone.
• Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and other lifestyle factors may also play a role in cognitive health and should be considered in a holistic approach.
• Professor Brodaty emphasises the importance of engaging in intentional brain-boosting activities, fostering social connections, and taking a multifaceted approach to safeguard brain health.

Did you know that over 400,000 Australians are living with dementia? Shockingly, two-thirds of them are women.

But fear not, as renowned Professor Ralph Martins from Macquarie University is leading the charge in a groundbreaking new trial that could change the game for dementia prevention.

View attachment 17290

It's important to aim for regular physical exercise and healthy eating to keep your mind sharp.Credit: Unsplash/Robina Weermeijer.

Professor Martins envisions a future where medication and lifestyle changes could become powerful tools in preserving the brain, just like how cholesterol is managed to protect the heart.

With 600 volunteers recruited for his cutting-edge study, the potential for a breakthrough is within reach. Want to know more? Check out our report on this development by clicking here.

As science continues to uncover the complex relationship between TV viewing and brain health, it's clear that the impact goes beyond just passive entertainment.

With intriguing studies revealing potential links between excessive TV watching and cognitive decline in older adults, it's essential to consider the broader context of lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, physical activity, and mental stimulation.


Members, how much TV do you watch in a day? Are you taking proactive steps to safeguard your brain health? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments!

I don't "watch" a lot of TV every day but I must admit I have it on a lot just for the sound keeping me awake and keeping me company before bed at 10pm. I do, however, play games on my iPad while the TV sound is keeping me company and keeping me awake. Have heard about people watching all those fantasy/imaginary shows of things that aren't real and then dreaming about people, dogs, images chasing them and attacking them!!!

 

[Jest]

We all know that physical activity and mental stimulation are vital for keeping our brains sharp and to protectg against dementia. But what about those activities that involve more sitting than learning? Enter television - a common pastime among Australians of all ages.

In recent years, as social media, Netflix, and other digital entertainment platforms have gained popularity among younger generations, television viewership among older adults remains steadfast.

But what does science have to say about TV's impact on cognitive health in ageing populations? The answer may surprise you

Researchers have delved into this topic, grappling with inconsistent findings that have made it challenging to draw definitive conclusions.

However, a groundbreaking 2019 study shed new light on the issue, revealing that watching television for more than 3.5 hours a day could be linked to memory decline and language difficulties in older adults.

View attachment 17288

TV is still the top form of entertainment for older adults. Credit: Unsplash/Glenn Carstens-Peters.

This begs the question: Could it be that TV is directly responsible for deteriorating mental capacity in older adults, or is it simply a case of those with early-stage dementia spending more time in front of the screen out of boredom?

Adding to the puzzle is recent research that has turned the tables on conventional wisdom. A study published just last year explored the relationship between TV and computer use and the risk of dementia among older individuals — and the findings were nothing short of intriguing.

The study revealed that watching more than 4 hours of television a day was associated with a staggering 24% higher risk of developing dementia. In contrast, those who engaged in interactive computer use for leisure, spending more than 1 hour daily, had a remarkably 15% lower risk of cognitive decline.

Renowned dementia expert, Professor Henry Brodaty, offers a cautionary note on the potential link between television and dementia.

While studies have shed light on the association between TV viewing and cognitive decline in older adults, Professor Brodaty urges against placing undue reliance on TV as a sole factor.

View attachment 17289

Some studies suggest that watching a lot of television can increase your risk of cognitive decline. Credit: Unsplash/CardMapr.nl.

According to the expert, there are likely to be deeper driving factors at play, beyond television, that contribute to the risk of dementia. Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and other lifestyle factors may also have a significant impact on cognitive health.

In light of this, Professor Brodaty emphasises the importance of maintaining a holistic approach to brain health.

Staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in intentional activities that challenge the mind, such as reading news articles or solving crossword puzzles (like the ones on the SDC website!), can all play a crucial role in promoting cognitive well-being.

Furthermore, Professor Brodaty highlights the value of social connections and community engagement, both online and offline. Spending quality time with loved ones and participating in activities that foster social interaction can be beneficial for brain health as well.

Key Takeaways

• TV viewing in older adults has been linked to cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia, but renowned dementia expert Professor Brodaty cautions against solely attributing this to TV alone.
• Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and other lifestyle factors may also play a role in cognitive health and should be considered in a holistic approach.
• Professor Brodaty emphasises the importance of engaging in intentional brain-boosting activities, fostering social connections, and taking a multifaceted approach to safeguard brain health.

Did you know that over 400,000 Australians are living with dementia? Shockingly, two-thirds of them are women.

But fear not, as renowned Professor Ralph Martins from Macquarie University is leading the charge in a groundbreaking new trial that could change the game for dementia prevention.

View attachment 17290

It's important to aim for regular physical exercise and healthy eating to keep your mind sharp.Credit: Unsplash/Robina Weermeijer.

Professor Martins envisions a future where medication and lifestyle changes could become powerful tools in preserving the brain, just like how cholesterol is managed to protect the heart.

With 600 volunteers recruited for his cutting-edge study, the potential for a breakthrough is within reach. Want to know more? Check out our report on this development by clicking here.

As science continues to uncover the complex relationship between TV viewing and brain health, it's clear that the impact goes beyond just passive entertainment.

With intriguing studies revealing potential links between excessive TV watching and cognitive decline in older adults, it's essential to consider the broader context of lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, physical activity, and mental stimulation.


Members, how much TV do you watch in a day? Are you taking proactive steps to safeguard your brain health? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments!

I find this rubbish. When watching TV you are absorbing your viewing. Unless you watch rubbish ie. googlebox etc. then you are a goner. I learn so much from my viewing and I watch what holds my interest.
I know of people who did crosswords and had a nimble brain end up with dementia. Horrible disease.

 

[Jest]

I have never heard it called that. I watch from 5.30 pm until I go to bed at 10. 30pm So by your reckoning I should be at 85 ga-ga! but I still have the very high IQ I have always had. but then I do spend time reading writing poetry & short stories& doing various craft work all by myself as I love the isolation that we had in lockdown. I am very happy with myself!

Being housebound through injury I spend much of my days using my computer to read the papers, do interactive connections all around the world, and undertake surveys. I usually start at around 7 am and finish at 9 pm I then go to bed and watch TV for about an hour and again at 5 am for the news broadcasts, I'm nearly 85yrs young have clarity of thought, enjoy having debates on various subjects, still drive on occasion but not long trips as I'm on oxygen and for short trips such as going to my GP I use my mobility scooter, I also enjoy a few glasses of red wine daily, I think my computer use is my saving grace as it keeps my brain active.

good on you. enjoy your red as I do.

 

[Jest]

Nobody's saying not to watch it, just to take particular notice of the crap that's served up by the channels. and then avoid 99% of it.

who watches crap??

 

[Gsr]

I doubt there would be more than three hours of good quality shows on all channels combined per day, most of it is those crappy reality, lifestyle shows. I’m sure most of the people who watch them only do so as there is nothing decent on to watch. Could explain the rise in dementia cases, those shows are enough to send anyone loopy.

 

[Zemo]

The overwhelming content on the cretiniser is about as believable as the deep and meaningfuls on Married at First Naughty, about as genuine as the soundtrack on Who Wants to be a Millionaire during the COVID phase, about as convincing as the Aldi comicals and as realistic as what passes for "news" on all the channels.

 

[MindyMac]

I love watching true to life movies, history, science, knowledge competition shows, cooking shows.

I recently purchased the blu-ray movie The Man Who Knew Infinity and it aired on SBS today. If watching true to life movies like this one about Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan then I actually think the opposite and the brain grows. I also look up details of people like him and other facts on Wikilink to get even more information like the author Robert Kanigel who wrote the book of the same name and brought Srinivasa Ramanujan back to life for today's generation. For people who like myself never heard amazing brilliant gentleman and I now do. I saw the movie a few months ago and wanted this one in my collection along with other true to life movies that tell the stories of many amazing incredible people.

My dvd/blu ray collection about factual history is growing and is a great source of knowledge. I have many on my Bucket List that I want and just awaiting to have some extra dollars to buy them. Like The Danish Girl a true story about Lili Elbe. Knowledge can be gained by watching tv as well.

I think for people like myself watching tv off-sets dementia.

 

[Zemo]

I love watching true to life movies, history, science, knowledge competition shows, cooking shows.

I recently purchased the blu-ray movie The Man Who Knew Infinity and it aired on SBS today. If watching true to life movies like this one about Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan then I actually think the opposite and the brain grows. I also look up details of people like him and other facts on Wikilink to get even more information like the author Robert Kanigel who wrote the book of the same name and brought Srinivasa Ramanujan back to life for today's generation. For people who like myself never heard amazing brilliant gentleman and I now do. I saw the movie a few months ago and wanted this one in my collection along with other true to life movies that tell the stories of many amazing incredible people.

My dvd/blu ray collection about factual history is growing and is a great source of knowledge. I have many on my Bucket List that I want and just awaiting to have some extra dollars to buy them. Like The Danish Girl a true story about Lili Elbe. Knowledge can be gained by watching tv as well.

I think for people like myself watching tv off-sets dementia.

You must admit that finding and watching quality programs and documentaries is diametrically opposite to the pap dished out by the commercial channels. They not only came up with the bottom of the barrel as far as cringeworthy, mindless shows go, they also compete with each other to see who can put out the trashiest product to garner the most vidiots to watch them. I think Baird (look him up, all you seekers of knowledge) would be spinning in his grave to see just how far down the road his invention has progressed. Would you say it's for the better?