Vascular Health Sciences Chief Science Officer: Want to Reduce Stress? Get on Facebook - NBC Right Now/KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA |

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SOURCE: Vascular Health Sciences

Vascular Health Sciences Chief Science Officer weighs in on a new study linking Facebook to reduced stress.

Salt Lake City, Utah (PRWEB) March 04, 2013

A recent study at the University of Arizona reported by the Huffington Post revealed that seniors who use Facebook show reduced levels of stress and heightened cognitive abilities. According to the study, adults over the age of 65 can use Facebook as a tool to relax and gain better mental awareness.

In light of this recent news, Vascular Health Sciences Chief Science Officer Nathalie Chevreau, PhD, R.D., explained the implications of seniors learning to reduce stress through social networking.

“Using Facebook as a means of stress reduction will increase mental alertness and can become a simple daily exercise for seniors,” said Chevreau. “70 percent of internet users 65 years of age and older use some form of the internet in a typical day, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project.”

In the study conducted at the University of Arizona, seniors who learned to use Facebook showed 25 percent improvement in memory related tasks and mental capabilities than they did before learning to use the social network. Those who used Facebook also defused the feeling of loneliness through achieved social connectedness. People who remain socially engaged are less likely to become lonely and are inclined to receive social support, two important elements of de-stressing for adults 65 years of age and older. This same test group also exhibited better cognitive abilities at an older age.

Seniors are a growing demographic on Facebook. According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, one in three online seniors use a social networking site like Facebook. In 2009, 13 percent of adults ages 65 and older used social networking. In 2011, that number jumped to 33 percent. As of February 2012, 34 percent of adults ages 65 and older have used a social networking site.

“Seniors must seek out the best ways to de-stress their lives, and Facebook is quickly growing to be a surprisingly effective way to do so,” said Chevreau. Chevreau continues to call on seniors to find ways to reduce stress among their age group, and encourages them to join Facebook as a means of relaxation, cognitive exercise, and social connectedness.

About Vascular Health Sciences
Founded in 2010, Vascular Health Sciences explores technologies, develops products and disseminates information to increase awareness and promote the proper care of the endothelial glycocalyx. Vascular Health Sciences is committed to increasing awareness of the glycocalyx and its role in vascular health, and to providing products supporting the care of this essential system. For more information, visit VascularHealthSciences.com.

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