THE BENEFITS OF THE INTERNET IN THE LIVES OF ELDERLY IN LUZIÂNIA, GOIÁS

Abstract

We examined the benefits of the Internet in the lives of elderly people belonging to the project "Living" in the municipality of Luziânia, Goiás, where a field survey with a sample of 37 elderly men and women through a questionnaire was made containing the variables: state civil, income, education, disease, physical activity, alcohol consumption and smoking. Applied a questionnaire to evaluate access to the Internet, conducting computer courses, the purpose of using the internet and benefits. It was observed that 78% of the elderly were women, 35% married, 13% received less than one minimum wage per month and 5% illiterate. It was found that 56% were hypertensive, 24% had dyslipidemia, 13% diabetics, alcoholics 3%, 5% and 5% smokers sedentary. By analyzing the use of the internet, 57% reported using this medium. Of these, 43% were qualified and the most prevalent access were: social networks (37%), research sites (31%), news and sports (12%), games (6%), entertainment (6%) and banking, labor, among others (6%). The benefits of the Internet, 95% said the internet was able to provide them, especially more information and knowledge (41%), increased communication with friends and family (31%), the exercise of memory and increased self-esteem ( 10%), fun and entertainment (6%), friends (6%) and everyday ease (6%). The use of the Internet was able to provide benefits to the elderly, leading to increased self-esteem and the possibilities of knowledge, communication and leisure.