Embracing the Use of Technology for Seniors
Technology is one of the many global advancements that continues to affect our daily lives including our seniors. The constant progressions made throughout our time has provided us with more timely, engaging and collaborative resources that are user-friendly for all ages. Despite some of its obstacles and the unforeseeable events that may arise from it, technology can be quite advantageous for seniors.
The social benefits of technology
Through these trying times where social engagement is low, technology and social media is extremely helpful. Sometimes seniors are unable to physically spend time and interact with others, especially those in retirement and long-term care homes or those who live on their own. Social media is also a quick and convenient tool to stay connected with the world in terms of keeping up with what is going on in the world. Therefore, technological devices (i.e., iPads, tablets, smartphones, etc.) is a great alternative to maintaining those social connections in order for seniors to feel connected and less isolated.
Not only does technology enhance social connectedness, but it also provides seniors with opportunities to be active and participate in exercise. Some of these technological resources include Wii Sports or any other form of social media platform with videos on how to perform a particular activity. In saying so, if seniors are able to, these individuals are able to partake in a light physical activity simply through a form of technology. The use of technology is also a way for seniors to stimulate and fulfill some mental exercises. Online games such as trivia or Tetris, encourage seniors to learn something new and get their brains going. Mental exercise through technology is a way for seniors to feel youthful and rejuvenated as they are able to learn some new skills and/or further enhance their current skills and abilities in a new way.
The safety benefits of technology
Technology provides seniors with countless of health benefits in terms of safety and health tracking. For seniors who live independently, a technological device such as a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS), allows for seniors to press a button that will notify for help in case that individual falls, hurt themselves or is in any form of danger. For seniors who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s, GPS tracking devices are able to track an individuals’ location and notify family members or friends when they are in danger or are in an unfamiliar environment. Besides these technological devices, there are additional tools that can be quite useful to seniors such as a diabetic patch, portable heart rate monitors and motion detection devices for those who suffer from epilepsy or intense body movements.
As much as technology is constantly evolving and can be unreliable and complex at times, there are a variety of benefits for senior utilization. Technology will only continue to advance and will eventually become an even bigger part of our lives. Therefore, it is important that seniors are provided with the opportunities to use and participate in such measures of change as needed.