Did you realize that more than 80% of people aged 65 and older are now online regularly? That is a big change, especially when you look back just 10 years. It shows how important technology is becoming as we get older. I have seen this happen firsthand. It is not just about teaching older adults how to use email anymore. Now, it is about using technology to help them stay independent, keep up relationships and feel better overall. At my senior care practice, we truly believe that technology and staying healthy as you age are closely linked. Let us look at how technology can make life better later on and guide you to some useful resources.
Technology and Healthy Aging: Connecting to Fight Isolation
Feeling lonely is a big problem for older adults. It can be made worse when they lose a spouse, cannot move around easily or live far away from family. Thankfully, technology can help a lot.
Social Media and Video Calls
Things such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Skype allow older people to keep in touch with family and friends no matter how far away they are. Grandparents are able to see their grandchildren grow up through photos and videos, be at family events virtually and talk to friends. I have personally seen how a simple video call is able to make someone feel happier and less alone. I remember when I assisted a senior center in starting a weekly video call program. It connected people living there with family all over the country. It became very popular, and the residents said they felt much more connected and happier.
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Online Hangouts and Forums
Besides family and friends, online groups give older adults chances to meet others who like the same things. Whether it is a book club, a gardening group or a health forum, these groups help people feel like they belong and provide safe places to share what they are thinking and feeling. I am acquainted with a woman who found comfort in a grief support group online after her husband passed away. She met others who understood what she was going through and made lasting friendships.
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Staying Sharp and Engaged: Information and Entertainment for Healthy Aging
Technology gives older individuals access to lots of information and entertainment, from news and online classes to streaming movies. This helps keep their minds active, encourages them to keep learning and keeps them connected to what is going on in the world. This really supports technology and staying healthy as you age.
News and Learning Online
Older people are able to stay up to date through online news, find learning materials through online classes and tutorials and learn new skills through online workshops and webinars. Many universities even provide free online classes, which let older adults learn about what interests them without having to go to a physical classroom. I recall a retired engineer who signed up for an online history course and really enjoyed it. He even got a history degree and started volunteering as a docent at the local museum.
Streaming and Digital Books
Streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video provide many movies, television shows and documentaries, giving older adults many entertainment choices. Digital libraries make it simple to borrow ebooks and audiobooks without leaving home, which really helps those who have trouble moving around. We have noticed more requests for ereaders and tablets with large buttons, which make it easier to read and use digital content.
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Tech to the Rescue: Helping Independence and Safety
Assistive devices help people who have disabilities do everyday things. These range from simple items such as magnifying glasses to advanced technologies such as hearing aids and scooters. This technology is able to greatly improve an older person’s independence, safety and overall quality of life.
Hearing and Vision Help
Hearing loss and poor eyesight happen often as people get older. Hearing aids make sounds louder, which helps people communicate and stay social. Vision aids, such as magnifying glasses and large print books, help older adults read and enjoy seeing things. I have worked with many older people who have seen big improvements in their lives because they had hearing or vision help. It let them talk more easily in conversations, enjoy their hobbies and stay independent.
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Help Getting Around and Adaptive Gadgets
Walkers, canes and wheelchairs help people who have trouble moving to move around more easily and safely. Adaptive gadgets, such as grab bars and raised toilet seats, make everyday tasks simpler. We often suggest a home safety check for older adults who cannot move around easily. This helps find possible dangers and suggest changes to make things safer and easier to reach.
Smart Home Tech for Safety
Smart home technology is able to make older adults feel safer and more secure when they live alone. Smart doorbells with video allow them to see who is at the door before they open it. Smart smoke and carbon monoxide detectors warn them and their caregivers about possible dangers. Fall detection devices automatically call for help if someone falls. I am aware of a case where a client’s smart watch noticed a fall and contacted 911. This resulted in quick medical help that likely saved her life.
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Healthcare from Home: Telehealth
Telehealth uses technology to provide healthcare services from a distance and is becoming more accepted among older adults. Telehealth allows older individuals to talk with doctors and nurses without traveling, which means they do not have to go to the clinic. This is helpful for those who have trouble moving around, those who live far away or those who have weak immune systems.
Doctor Visits Online
Virtual doctor appointments allow older adults to talk about their health concerns with a doctor through video conferencing. Doctors are able to diagnose and treat common conditions from a distance, write prescriptions and order tests. I have noticed that virtual appointments are often just as good as in person visits for many conditions. They also provide convenience, do not require as much travel and cost less.
Checking Health Remotely
Remote monitoring devices keep track of vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar levels. This information is sent to healthcare professionals, which allows doctors to monitor a patient’s health from a distance and find possible problems early. Health tracking applications help older adults keep track of how active they are, what they eat and how they sleep. This allows them to take control of their health. I have seen older adults become more involved in their healthcare when they are able to see their information in real time.
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Help Online: Using the Digital World
Technology provides many benefits for older adults, but learning how to use new devices and software is able to be difficult. Fortunately, there are many online resources available to help them use the digital world.
Tutorials and Training Online
Websites such as SeniorNet and TechBoomers provide free online tutorials and training on computer basics, internet safety, social media and mobile devices. These resources are made specifically for older adults and are presented in a clear, direct and easy to understand way. I often suggest these resources to my older clients who do not know much about technology.
Tech Help
Many technology companies offer support for older adults. Apple provides free workshops and training at its retail stores. Some senior centers also provide technology help. We have worked with local senior centers to provide technology assistance workshops, which are always popular.
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What is Next for Technology and Aging?
As technology continues to get better, I expect even more solutions that support technology and staying healthy as you age. Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used to create new assistive devices and telehealth platforms. For example, AI is able to power virtual assistants that provide companionship and reminders to take medications. We are looking into these technologies to see how they are able to improve the lives of older adults.
Things to Consider
It is important to address the possible downsides as we add technology, including what is right and wrong. Data privacy, security and knowing how to use digital devices are important things to consider. We must make sure that all older adults are able to access the technology and training they need and that their data is safe. I support policies that help everyone have internet access and protect the rights of older adults.
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What is the Takeaway?
Technology is able to greatly improve the lives of older adults. It helps them connect with others, access information and stay independent. By using technology and dealing with the challenges, we are able to create a future where all older adults are able to do well. Using senior technology, along with thinking about what is right, will improve well being as we age. As technology gets better, we must make sure that it helps everyone, especially our aging population.
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