Technology has become an essential tool in improving the quality of life for everyone, including seniors. The golden years, often marked by a need for increased support and connection, can be improved through the use of digital tools and devices. Whether it’s staying in touch with loved ones, managing health, or ensuring safety, technology offers seniors and their caregivers innovative solutions tailored to their unique needs.

A research study in 2021 revealed that during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Telehealth usage among seniors aged 70+ increased from just 4.6% pre-pandemic to 21.1%.
• In-person healthcare visits decreased by 31%, while telehealth appointments rose by 16%.
• Video calls with family and friends became a more common method of connection, rising slightly from 41.2% to 43.7%.
• 7 million seniors in the U.S. are socially isolated, and 1.3 million are at the threshold of the effects.
• Among seniors, 89% owned a cell phone, 73% had a computer, and 51% possessed a tablet, with telehealth users more likely to own computers (84%) and tablets (65%).
• Nearly 40% of adults aged 65+ did not own a smartphone, and 25% did not use the internet.
• About 25% of older adults learned to use new technologies or platforms during the pandemic.

Benefits of Technology for Seniors

• Improved Communication: Helps seniors stay connected with family and friends through social media and video calls.
• Health Monitoring: Managing health with wearable devices and telemedicine apps.
• Access to Information: Instant answers to questions via search engines and virtual assistants.
• Increased Independence: Tools for setting reminders, shopping online, and managing schedules.
• Entertainment: Endless options like streaming movies, playing games, or reading books.

Popular Tech Tools for Seniors

• Smartphones and Tablets: Simplified interfaces and larger displays for easy use.
• Smart Home Solutions and Voice-Activated Assistants: Hands-free devices like Alexa and Google Assistant for reminders, music, and smart home controls.
• Health Apps and Wearable Devices: Track heart rate, fitness levels, and medication schedules.

Overcoming Barriers to Tech Adoption

• Providing Education: For seniors hesitant about using technology, caregivers, family, and friends can guide them in accessing or providing hands-on learning. In doing so, they help seniors overcome fears associated with digital tools.
• Emphasizing Benefits: Focus on how technology improves quality of life and independence.
• User-Friendly Designs: Introduce devices and apps specifically designed for seniors

The use of technology in the golden age is not just about gadgets; it’s about empowering seniors, improving their independence and connectivity, and helping them find assistance in everyday moments through innovative solutions. With the support of tech-saavy caregivers, technology can bridge the gap between challenges and opportunities faced by seniors at home, enabling them to thrive in a world that has gone digital.

 

References:

Choi, N. G., DiNitto, D. M., Marti, C. N., & Choi, B. Y. (2022). Telehealth use among older adults during COVID-19: Associations with sociodemographic and health characteristics, technology device ownership, and technology learning. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 41(3), 600-609.

Moyle, W., Murfield, J., & Lion, K. (2021). The effectiveness of smart home technologies to support the health outcomes of community-dwelling older adults living with dementia: A scoping review. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 153, 104513.

Rolandi, E., Vaccaro, R., Abbondanza, S., Casanova, G., Pettinato, L., Colombo, M., & Guaita, A. (2020). Loneliness and social engagement in older adults based in Lombardy during the COVID-19 lockdown: The long-term effects of a course on social networking sites use. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(21), 7912.

Rose, K. M., Coop Gordon, K., Schlegel, E. C., McCall, M., Gao, Y., Ma, M., ... & Stankovic, J. (2021). Smarthealth technology study protocol to improve relationships between older adults with dementia and family caregivers. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 77(5), 2519-2529.