Put your devices away. Spending too much time on phones, tablets can accelerate ageing process

The technology boom has changed how we socialise, travel, shop, eat and watch movies.

From staying healthy to managing your finances, smartphones take care of almost all our requirements. But, it comes at a price.

A new study states that spending too much time glued to devices like smartphones, computers, laptops and tablets can speed up the ageing process of the body.

Published in the Frontiers in Aging journal, the study - conducted on fruit flies - said that excessive screen time can affect skin, fat and brain cells.

Senior author of the study, Jadwiga Giebultowicz, who is a professor at State University in the US, was quoted as saying, "Excessive exposure to blue light from everyday devices, such as , laptops, and phones, may have detrimental effects on a wide range of cells in our body, from the skin and fat cells to sensory neurons. We are the first to show that the levels of specific metabolites - chemicals that are essential for cells to function correctly - are altered in fruit flies exposed to blue light."

The researchers found that fruit flies when exposed to blue light, 'turn on' stress-protective genes. When they were kept in constant darkness, they lived longer.

With exposure to high-energy blue light, the levels of the metabolite succinate (also known as succinic acid which helps in oxidative metabolism) in flies increased.

Succinate is essential for producing the fuel for the function and growth of each cell. High levels of succinate after exposure to blue light can be compared to gas being in the pump but not getting into the car.

The study discovered another disadvantage of blue light exposure. The glutamate levels (components of glutamic acid which work as a neurotransmitter and help the proper functioning of the brain) were reduced.

This means, other than ageing the body, exposure to blue light also deteriorates brain function.

From daily work responsibilities to online learning, people are forced to be exposed to blue light coming from LEDs.

Dr Sharadhi C, Psychiatrist, Sakra World Hospital said that unregulated screen time coupled with erratic routine and a sedentary lifestyle can isolate an individual from his/her family and friends, and deprive a person of the pleasures of human companionship.

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Fortis Hospitals

Mumbai study, conducted in November 2021, said that 95 per cent of the parents who were surveyed believed that the pandemic impacted their children's physical, emotional, mental and social growth.

Around 62 per cent of the parents stated that their children spent around four-six hours on electronic gadgets every day, whereas over 23 per cent of parents said that their kid spent their weekends using devices for over six hours.

In short, limiting screen time or keeping the blue light at bay can not only prevent cognitive decline, but will also work as a good anti-ageing strategy.