Benefits of Seniors Using Technology

The use of various forms of technology is becoming more prevalent in many facets of life. Social media, video chat, email, text messages, phone calls are all examples of how technology is being embraced for the convenience it provides. This convenience is especially important for seniors. Seniors are staying connected to their loved ones who might be long-distance by using these technologies to talk to them in real time or in video chats.

Social Interaction

It is well accepted that social connections play an important role in health and quality of life. People who maintain strong bonds with family and friends tend to eat better and avoid habits like smoking. This is primarily because they are able to share their feelings, ask for advice, and offer support in times of need.

When people feel like they can depend on others while navigating tough times, they spend less time alone, which in turn protects them from some of the negative consequences of loneliness.

Social media and video chat tools such as Skype, Facetime allow seniors to stay in contact long-distance with their loved ones. Video chat is a great way for seniors to see their families up close and personal which is helpful if they are not able to make the trip.

Social media also has the benefit of keeping family members updated on what is going on in each other's lives, which can provide comfort for those who cannot visit as often as they would like.

Getting Fit

Technology has become an easy way for seniors to keep both their minds and bodies active. With the growth of new technologies, there are now more opportunities for people to join fitness routines by looking into classes that have been tailored specifically for seniors who are looking to stay active.

Technology also provides a way to play games without having to travel to a physical location. Older adults can exercise their spatial recognition, recall and memory skills by playing video games.

Older adults are at risk for dementia due to the weakening of neural pathways in response to aging. It has been found that playing video games will activate different areas of the brain, which helps build new neural connections. This strengthens the neural pathways and can help delay or prevent an onset of dementia.

Safety

The use of mobile technology has increased the safety and comfort of seniors who live at home. The use of mobile technology enables stay-at-home seniors to continue taking care of themselves and their homes, while also staying connected to their loved ones.

The use of technology has allowed many seniors to continue living in their homes for longer periods of time. The introduction of home monitoring services, such as live-in care, can help people feel more comfortable about living alone and allow them to stay in the comfort of their own homes. Technology will continue to make life easier for seniors and allow them to live independently.

Technology is constantly developing and can be used to improve the lives of seniors with functional impairment. Safe technology that requires minimal physical effort is becoming more popular in the senior living industry. For example, robotic vacuum cleaners are good for people who struggle with balance or have bad knees, they are also easier on carpets than vacuum cleaners because they use brushes instead of rotating wheels.

How to Teach Seniors Technology

Patience is necessary

Be patient is a tip on how to coach technology to an elderly person. For example, teaching them how to work with the new digital tablet that they were given as a present or how to use their new email account.

The elderly are less likely to have the necessary skillset for computers. This is owing to age-related difficulties in learning new technologies, including changes in speed, ease of use, and familiarity. It is important that the elderly are not denied access or treated differently simply because they are older or have a different cultural background. Be patient with them if they are not following the lesson too well.

The elderly may need many repetitions of a procedure before it becomes instinctive, or they might need written instructions or verbal explanations beforehand. It is important for a coach to help them get acquainted with the technology by breaking down tasks into easy steps for understanding.

Emphasize the benefits

There are many benefits to teaching seniors about technology. For instance, they can keep up with what's happening in the world with just a few clicks. They also can use it as an excuse to be social by video chatting, or emailing with friends and family that live far away.

It is possible for them to have their whole day planned out by setting alarms and reminders on their phone. They can also check the weather forecast without having to go outside and feel the cold!

Adapt to their preferences

Many seniors need help with technologies that require more technical expertise. There are many ways to tailor the experience for this group. Using large fonts may be helpful for those who have difficulty seeing smaller text.

The use of slow scrolling can help them read content without feeling overwhelmed by the speed of the scrolling. For those with severe physical limitations, it may be helpful to replace typing with meaningful gestures or voice commands.

Educators should be mindful to use jargon that the elderly will understand because it has been found that they do not like to feel like children in school.

Don't use Jargon.

It is important to avoid using jargon when coaching older adults. One way to do this is to keep the information simple and avoid words that are unfamiliar or difficult for them to understand, such as "software." Instead, use words like "computer" or "phone" when discussing these devices.

Wearable Technology for Seniors

Smart Watches

Smart Watches are gaining popularity with seniors because they can provide an easy way to monitor health while not requiring expensive equipment or cutting-edge technology.

The market for wearable technology is growing rapidly with the introduction of new features that are specifically designed for people of all ages. With many functions like motion tracking, calorie-burning, and reminders to take medicine, smart watches are a great way to stay on top of activities while also monitoring health.

This is important because documents show that 60% of seniors who live alone experience social isolation. Smart Watches are an option for seniors, specifically those who find it difficult to use their phone.

The watches offer contactless payment options, allow connection to a wheelchair, and provide quick access to emergency alerts. This technology could make life easier for seniors by simplifying everyday tasks.

Wireless Bluetooth Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

A wireless Bluetooth Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor for elderly people has found to be helpful in tracking blood pressure levels. The device is connected to an app on the user's phone, which records and stores information about the measurements.

Based on this information, the app will give feedback to the user with regards to hypertension levels and other health concerns.

GPS Smart Sole Hidden Wearable Tracker in Shoe

Dementia is a type of cognitive impairment characterized by a decline in memory, difficulty with word retrieval, and other intellectual abilities.

In this situation, The Smart Sole Hidden Wearable Tracker in Shoe is a small device that attaches to the underside of the shoe that record how much someone walks for days, weeks, or months at a time. It also alerts users if they are walking an abnormal distance. This device enables medical professionals to see how well people with cognitive conditions are doing on their own.

Hearing Aids

Older adults often face hearing loss due to aging or illness, which can lead to many social and health issues. However, the use of hearing aids can help improve this situation by providing an audio alternative for those who cannot hear well.

Hearing aids are small electronic devices that provide amplification for sounds so individuals can better hear them. They may be powered by batteries or electric power. Some types even work with wireless technology, allowing people to use them without wires around their ear.

In conclusion, seniors have many reasons for wanting to learn technology. As a result, seniors should be taught how to use technology in order to live more independently and create a connection with their family and the community. Senior citizens should be given hands-on training in person or over the phone to help ease into learning how to use technology.