Benefits of Technology for Seniors
With a global economy being run on mobile devices many seniors are on the outside peering in. Similar to a junior engineer trying to diagnose a transmission problem with no prior experience in car mechanics, seniors feel estranged to the internet, social media, and mobile applications. It’s not that older adults are uninterested in being part of the 21st century, but rather the 21st century is uninterested in teaching them. Perhaps there is a way to teach technology in a way which is understood by this specific demographic. These people are from the age group which went to school and mastered the classes they took. Young folks have an upper hand when it comes to getting educated by taking advantage of YouTube learning. Prior to the dot com boom students had to identify the topics they wanted to learn, register for a class, and sit in on the course. Numerous hours were invested prior to absorbing the information which now could be done all via a Google search. Pretty much any industry can be learnt from home and businesses can run from a garage or even a bedroom. Humans are living longer and it’s an opportune time for seniors to begin taking advantage of technology. All they need is someone to be patience and educate them just like a professor would in a college course.
Advantages of seniors being in engage in technology
Some seniors tend to be afraid of getting engage in technology thinking that it’s not for them. However there are advantages of being connected through a smartphone or tablet. The primary challenge for seniors is to make the day as fulfilling and meaningful as possible. Unfortunately many older adults who are home-bound live with one of the worst feelings know to mankind which is none other than loneliness. Solitariness has multiple health consequence such as depression, bad mood swings, early aging, and ultimately premature death. Seniors can now be connected to friends and family via Facebook and Skype using these platforms as a way to fill that social void.
Bertha is a senior who lives at an independent living center in Cleveland, OH. Her son Steven, recently moved to the United Kingdom with his wife and kids. On a rainy or snowy day, Bertha picks up her tablet and can Skype her grandchildren and ask them about their day in school. There are a few occasions where they get to do their homework with Grandma. Many seniors like Bertha have developed closer relationships with their grand-kids through these communication platforms.
With incorporating technology into seniors life can help prepare for the “Silver Tsunami”
Healthcare professionals are dealing with an aging phenomena that has never been witnessed by society. It will be commonplace that a patient in their 80’s or 90’s will be accompanied by a son or daughter which is their 60’s or 70’s. Prior to the nineteenth century, the average life of a person was between 30 to 40 years. According to Google the life expectancy of a human being is 79 years old. In just two centuries life expectancy has increased by 225%.
This is great news for seniors and can be look as an opportunity but a real challenge for healthcare. The so called “Silver Tsunami” is bound to slam into our healthcare system and cause devastating damage to our hospitals, nursing homes, and local assisted living facilities. One of the ways society can embrace this challenge is by getting older people to incorporate the use of technology in their lives. The younger generation needs to figure out how to get seniors educated on the use of devices like smartphone, tablets, and smartwatches. Otherwise these folks can expect increased premiums and drug costs within their medical plan once the Silver Tsunami reaches our healthcare system.
Through the proper use of smart devices caregivers and medical practitioners can be alerted when there is a sudden drop in blood pressure or sugar levels. This might mean a serious heart complication or merely that the patient did not eat properly. There are many program which offer ready made meals that are delivered to one’s home. For a mom or dad who likes to still cook and prepare meals, there are retail dining options which put all the ingredients in a box and ship directly to your doorstep like Blue Apron. Society needs to incorporate technology into seniors lives to keep them sustained and most importantly healthy.
How do seniors get educated on the internet and social media?
One can first try and visit their local library and ask the librarian to assist them in setting up social accounts on a desktop computer. The facility may even offer a class on the topic of setting up a Facebook account. Seniors need to be cautious when using public devices in hotels or libraries as their browsing history is public. Make sure that you log out of all your web accounts and close all browsers. If you need help doing this don’t be afraid to ask the staff. They there to assist people like you. Keep in mind that their paycheck is being financed by your tax money. Try and get support from local seniors and request a class on social media and other web platforms.
Senior Planet in New York City has developed and environment where seniors can get educated on topics like, the internet, social media, and mobile banking. Typcilly family members in their 20 and 30’s don’t have the patience to teach the use of technology and expect seniors to understand on the first time. This is why Tom Kamber of Senior Planet welcomes all seniors to its venue to learn all about technology of the 21st century. Instructors provide a masterful experience and have adapted to educating them in a way they like to learn. Next time your on a visit to the Big Apple stop bye and see what Senior Planet has to offer.
Exposing seniors to the internet and smart devices present the challenge of web vulnerability
The one thing banks, hospitales, stores, and homes all have in common is that they equipped with a security system. Without proper protection against intruders these facilities financial structure is at risk. Similarly we have to amp up the security on our loved ones pc’s and smart devices. Intruders tend to strike homes that are soft targets such as those with no one home or gaining access via an open entry. Hackers don’t have to go far when they look for exposed personal information.
Find the right security software for their devices and make sure that your loved one is protected. Also see that seniors identity is protected with a well known program. These programs run for as little $10 a month from famous payment providers like Visa and American Express. Once the devices are secured make sure there is a user on the account which gets alerted for any suspicious activity. One should always stay up to date on the topic on of senior fraud prevention and tune in to the latest news and hacks.
Are seniors really going to adapt to the use of technology?
Seniors are really eager to join the digital society. All they need is someone to have the patience to integrate them. They are well aware of how being connected can benefit both physical and emotional wellness. Researchers did in-depth interviews with adults aged 65 to 93 to understand their social networks and related use of technology in an increasingly global world. They are able to stay in contact within their own generation of fellow older people. This is great for people who don’t have much mobility but more importantly it keeps them connected intergenerationally which includes grandchildren. Skype and Facebook can provide micro communications for older adults which allow for a quick instant message without much effort. These instant messages come in the form of text or video which help reduce the loneliness in what would have been a very long day.
Similar to other technological advances to which older adults needed to get used to, this demographic will also learn how to use the internet, social media, and smart devices. It may take some time and patience but ultimately it will occur by osmosis. Every time a smartphone is used by a senior they are learning something new. It might be a functionality element or some application which interests them. Contrary to popular belief of millennial’s, seniors are connected like never before.
We hope that family members understand the opportunity and take the time to help get seniors adapt to technology. Next time when you visit a loved one ask them if they would like a tutorial on how to setup a Facebook or Instagram account. You might be surprised by their eagerness to learn and overwhelmed by the questions. Thereafter you might find your message inbox flooded by their excitement to learn. Try not to get annoyed and continue to educate them on social media etiquette. Seniors should be told what information could be shared and how often sharing should occur. The day will come when Grandma sees more retweets than her millennial granddaughter. It will be due to the authenticity of the older adults and how they absorb getting educated on technology.
