May 27, 2015 12:44 PM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

New research suggests that the use of tablets can make it easier for senior citizens to cross what is known as the "digital divide."

Tablets, which are smaller, lighter and may be easier to use than computers and laptops allows older adults to get connected to the internet without having to move or click a mouse.

"The dexterity required to control a mouse is really hard for some older adults," Shelia Cotten, who led the research, said in a statement. "A certain level of muscle control is needed. And some older adults have shaking issues, in addition to muscle-control issues in their hands and arms. "

The portable devices seem to be easier to use, especially for people who don't have a lot of computer experience.

"For the most part they are pretty easy to operate," Cotten said. "You don't have to click on 12 different things to do what you want to do. It helps to ease their tech anxiety."

Researchers also found that when an elderly person's family recommended a certain type of tablet and helped them learn how to use it, that contributed to their computer-use confidence as well. They learned how to use tablets by watching others use them and also by playing around on the tablets themselves.

Cotten said tablets will be increasingly used by older adults.

It was announced recently that Apple will collaborate with IBM and Japan Post to distribute 5 million tailored iPads to older adults in Japan.

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