Buzz
Television has always been an alluring form of entertainment, and with the growth of streaming services, it’s easier than ever to spend countless hours in front of the screen. However, this prolonged screen time might have long-term consequences. Research published in Scientific Reports shows that older adults who watched more TV were more likely to perform poorly on verbal memory assessments.
The study utilized data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a comprehensive, ongoing study of UK residents aged 50 and older, which collects detailed information about their health and lifestyle. Conducted by researchers at University College London, the study examined the self-reported TV-watching habits of 3,590 adults during 2008 and 2009. Participants were given a short verbal memory test, which required them to recall 10 common words that had been recited to them. They were asked to repeat the words immediately and after a brief delay. Additionally, their semantic fluency was assessed by asking them to list words related to a specific category, such as animals, within a minute.
The test was repeated six years later. Those who watched more than hours of TV daily scored worse on the verbal memory test compared to those who watched less. The study found a direct relationship between the amount of TV watched and memory performance, suggesting that increased TV time could contribute to cognitive decline.
Since sedentary behavior alone didn’t correlate with the decline in memory scores, it suggests that it's not simply the physical inactivity of watching TV that’s to blame. The authors of the paper explain that while television stimulates the brain, it doesn’t necessarily keep it focused. Other screen-based activities, such as video games, might be more beneficial for maintaining or even improving cognitive function. Another possibility explored by researchers is that TV-induced stress could impair memory. Violent content might lead to worry or anxiety, which can trigger the release of glucocorticoids, or stress hormones, and prolonged high levels of these hormones could impair memory, among other negative effects.
It may not be the television itself that’s harmful, but rather that it occupies time that could otherwise be used for mentally enriching activities like puzzles, games, or reading. Another theory is that adults already struggling with cognitive issues might gravitate toward TV. What is clear, however, is that watching television is mostly a passive activity for the brain—something to keep in mind the next time you settle in for a binge-watching session.
