We were once told watching too much telly was bad for us, now we’re warned surfing the internet affects our well-being. Well, if your middle-aged or older, the world wide web can actually increase your brain power.

According to the latest research from the University of California, the web stimulates parts of the brain that are responsible for making decisions and reasoning.

By spending time on the net, researchers reckon it might counteract physiological changes that occur later in life which slow down brain function.

As we age, cells in the brain shrink and activity reduces which slows down performance. Previous studies have shown that doing crosswords and sudoku puzzles can minimise the slowing process but this latest research suggest adding surfing the internet to the list.

“The study results are encouraging, that emerging computerised technologies may have physiological effects and potential benefits for middle-aged and older adults,” said lead researcher Professor Gary Small.

“Internet searching engages complicated brain activity, which may help exercise and improve brain function.”

Volunteers taking part in the study were aged 55-76 with some being seasoned internet users. Participants performed web searches and book reading tasks while undergoing scans to determine activity in the brain that controls reading, memory, language and visual ability.

The internet was found to produce increased activity in the parts of the brain that control complex reasoning and decision-making. However, this was only found in those participants who were experienced internet users.

Compared with everyday reading, the internet provided extended choices in which people had to decide about what to click on and read to obtain the required information, but inexperienced users didn’t have the strategies to cope with a successful search for information.

“A simple, everyday task like searching the web appears to enhance brain circuitry in older adults, demonstrating that our brains are sensitive and can continue to learn as we grow older,” said Professor Smith.

Keeping the mind active reduces the risk of developing chronic mental disorders such as dementia and the internet provides another way of keeping the brain active

“These fascinating findings add to previous research suggesting that middle-aged and older people can reduce their risk of dementia by taking part in regular mentally stimulating activities,” said Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust.

“Frequent social interactions, regular exercise and maintaining a balanced diet can also reduce dementia risk.”

So, the continued advice is to ‘use it, or lose it’. Get surfing!

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