Learn how technology keeps seniors connected and safe, offering solutions for communication, emergency response, and overall well-being.
How Technology Keeps Seniors Connected and Safe
The younger generation is obsessed with technology and modern tools. However, the evolving world has made technology an integral part of all segments of society. The elderly are also taking an interest in using the latest technology for their benefit. Consequently, top brands are also presenting tools specifically to address the needs of seniors. Some other devices and tools, such as smartphones, social media platforms, and medical alert systems, benefit people of every age, including the elderly. They can use smart home devices for seniors to improve their quality of life, stay connected with friends and family members, and maintain their health and safety in critical conditions. We will explore in this blog the role of senior care technology in the lives of seniors and its significance for staying physically fit and mentally satisfied.
Connection with Friends and Family
Many seniors prefer to live independently, but they need to connect with friends and family members to preserve their mental health and remain aware of all matters related to their family and loved ones. Technology connects seniors with their families and friends reliably by providing the latest information about new events and planning for family gatherings. Various aspects of modern technology provide different levels and depths of connections to seniors that keep them satisfied and prevent feelings of depression and loneliness.
Social Media
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media sites let seniors share their thoughts, memories, and other content with their families and friends. Social media networks keep seniors informed about new happenings in their circle through posts and allow them to give comments, show their likeness, and engage in long and meaningful conversations.
The most popular social media network for the elderly is Facebook due to its simple navigation and easy-to-use interface. Various features in this social network let them join groups and connect with old friends without much effort.
These and other social media networks enable seniors to find new friends with common interests and participate in communities based on shared habits and likings. Some networks have groups dedicated to people with single hobbies, health concerns, or other preferences.
Online Communities
Communication technology is not specific to communication with family members and friends, but it also provides additional features for a more comprehensive reach to seniors. Several online communities allow the elderly to share their experience and get knowledge about people with similar interests. Discussions in many of these communities and forums are related to topics particularly of interest to seniors, such as health, aging, traveling, gardening, etc. The elderly can join their specific communities through famous websites, including Reddit, AARP’s community forum, and Nextdoor, to share their thoughts and other interests.
Participating in these forums and online communities keeps seniors busy and provides support through advice and firsthand knowledge from people in similar conditions. These online communities are particularly important for those living in remote locations or who do not have access to local social networks.
Video Calling
Modern technology has enhanced the communication level from text messages and voice calling to video calling. Seniors can use Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, and other similar applications for video calling and face-to-face communications with their loved ones who live far away. This technology is particularly important for seniors to keep interacting with their grandchildren as they grow up. Families can also take advantage of this technology by spending holidays together and celebrating events despite living away from each other.
Health Benefits
Seniors face severe health issues due to mobility issues, chronic diseases, and other age-related problems. It forces them either to compromise their safety or independence. Several modern devices have features that provide medical assistance during emergencies. These devices and systems enable seniors to live independently without worrying about their health.
Wearable Health Monitoring Devices
Fitness trackers, modern smartwatches, and other wearable devices with health technology assist seniors in managing their health and fitness goals. Famous brands, such as Garmin, Fitbit, and Apple Watch, provide devices that monitor heart rate, oxygen levels, and physical activity, and may also detect falls. These devices have built-in features to receive alerts about health-related matters, like taking medications, calling for help in emergencies, etc.
Some senior health monitoring devices allow seniors to track their health conditions if they are suffering from chronic conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.) by syncing them with relevant smartphone apps. This connection enables seniors to share their healthcare data with physicians who keep an eye on whether their health condition is improving or deteriorating.
Medical Alert Systems
The biggest difference that modern technology has shown for seniors’s health is visible via medical alert systems. These emergency response systems are designed to provide immediate alerts to relevant medical responders or family members in case of an emergency, such as falls, illness, or other conditions that threaten life. These medical alert devices come in the form of a pendant, wristband, or bracelet. Their most common feature is a large button that sends immediate alerts to responders when pressed by the wearer.
There are further advancements in some devices that include GPS trackers, fall detection systems, and two-way communication technologies. In some devices, there is an option of home integration that allows seniors to manage lights, fans, doors, and other household items according to their needs. It provides a sense of safety and peace of mind to those who want to live undisturbed but peacefully.
Smart Home Technology
Technology is not limited to one or two types of systems, but it expands on a wider scale to fulfill the requirements of people with varying interests. Many modern devices contain smart home technologies that allow seniors to live independently and enjoy comfort and complete safety.
These modern technologies have brought unbelievable comfort and security to the lives of seniors. They can use voice-activated assistants (Google Home and Amazon Alexa) to complete various tasks without pressing a button. For instance, Amazon Alexa assists them in calling a family member or reading their favorite news aloud without touching the screen.
The elderly with mobility issues can utilize self-controlled lights, heating and cooling appliances (thermostats), and other household items according to their requirements without needing to leave their seat. Additionally, smart doorbell cameras provide an extra layer of security by preventing talking to unwanted visitors or scammers.
Managing Daily Activities
Age-related physical and mental problems make it difficult for seniors to complete even their daily activities efficiently. Devices with modern technology have made it easier for them to manage these activities without much difficulty, even without assistance from others.
Online Shopping
Shopping for groceries is a daunting task and may result in physical and mental exhaustion, especially for seniors. Modern technology has reduced these sufferings for the elderly through the online shopping experience. They can order groceries and other items of their choice without leaving their homes via Walmart, Amazon, and other shopping services. Many of these companies have physical stores in all major cities, and they deliver products the same day or the next day after receiving orders.
Online shopping and grocery delivery provide several other benefits to seniors apart from saving their time and energy. It also protects them from infections and pandemics, such as COVID-19, flu, etc. Seniors and other online shoppers have the facility to purchase a product according to their requirements and at an affordable price. Reviews, prices, and images of these items ensure the delivery of the best product to their doorstep without the need to visit a store physically.
Transportation
Many seniors suffer from mobility issues, weak eyesight, and other problems that hinder them from driving. This becomes a vital issue in the case of medical emergencies or other events where it becomes necessary to reach a destination early and safely. Technology assists them in managing this problem through ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft. These services assist them in getting a reliable ride for short distances, long journeys, and during medical emergencies. Seniors with mobility issues may also get specialized services in some of these ride-sharing services. These online taxi services allow them to live independently without worrying about transportation because they are safe and available any time of the day.
Medical Assistance
Various body systems deteriorate with age, and many seniors suffer from multiple medical conditions simultaneously. Therefore, they need several medications every day with varying requirements. Taking all these medicines on time and keeping their record is difficult, particularly for those who live alone or have memory issues. However, many medical reminder apps have solved this issue for the elderly. Medisafe and similar apps allow users to set up separate reminders for each medication. Some automatic apps also provide alerts to caregivers if the senior misses a dose.
Conclusion
Modern technology has assisted all segments of society, including seniors. It assists them in living an independent and stress-free life by connecting them with their loved ones, providing medical advantages, and resolving their transport issues. Further advancement in technology keeps them healthy and safe without the need to compromise on living the life of their choice.
FAQ's
Modern technology has assisted the elderly in getting reliable connections from families living away. Technologies that play a vital part in this aspect are social media, video calling, and online communities.
Seniors can minimize their health issues through various modern devices designed specifically according to their requirements. These include medical alert systems, health monitoring devices, and smart home technology.
The elderly usually have problems driving due to age-related mobility and eyesight conditions. They can take advantage of reliable online ride-sharing services to reach their destination securely and in time.
