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Though we have found technology very useful in our daily lives especially towards simplifying many of our daily tasks, seniors can still be reluctant to integrate the use of technology into their lives. One of the factors that is holding back seniors from using technology is the fact that they feel they will be unable to figure it out and just want to save themselves the headache of trying to learn.
However, when time is taken to properly and patiently integrate technology into the daily lives of your loved one, they may see how much it can benefit them and make their daily tasks easier.
Today, the use of technology is a key factor helping people age in place.
" A recent study published in the journal Healthcare analyzed older adults’ perspectives on technology intended to allow them to stay in their own homes longer, so-called “aging in place.”
According to the lead author of the study, Shengzhi Wang of the Design Lab at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), researchers found that many times “frustration” with new technology made older adults unsure of their ability to use it, leaving them unmotivated to even try. "
How to Integrate Technology Properly
Be sure to start by explaining the benefits that can be received from the use of technology. This way, their interest in it may grow or they may be more curious towards its use, instead of just putting an electronic device in front of them and making them learn how to use it.
Remember to also watch your pace in the teaching process, this may be a totally new thing for your loved one to be using, though it can be frustrating when you understand and they do not, but remember they are also just as frustrated over the fact they are confused on what they are doing.
Going off of making sure you have a slower pace when teaching your loved one how to use technology, remember to also leave room for them to ask questions and also try and be patient. Keep in mind this is new and challenging for them as well, you could compare it to all the things they taught you to do, like how to drive or ride a bike. It doesn’t always come natural so don’t get too worked up or frustrated at them when they have a lot of questions or need some extra time to have something explained to them.
Commonly Used Types of Technology Among Seniors
The Internet or Computers
Smartphones & Tablets
GPS
Cleaning Robots
Benefits of Using Technology to Seniors
1). With use of the internet, you are able to access the latest news updates and view what is going on in the world anywhere you are. There are many resources available online that can be useful to seniors ranging from finding new things they want to go see, reading articles online, looking up new recipes, watching videos and many platforms for communication.
Social media platforms like Facebook simplifies communication with friends and family with the option to share stories or pictures at ease. This way, you can keep others updated even if they are located much farther away. Also with applications such as FaceTime or Skype, you even have the option to use video chat to have a face-to-face conversation with family and friends.
2.) On mobile devices such as smartphone or tablet, you have the option to download different types of games that can be good for memory or overall cognitive brain stimulation. Depending on what games you choose like for example words with friends, you are also able to play with your friends and family!
3.) A hobby that is enjoyed by many seniors is reading, but as we age our eyesight tends to get worse and reading can come as more of a difficulty. Using an electronic eBook or tablet to read can help make this hobby easier with the different settings it has to offer such as, brightening the screen, making the fold bolder and being able to increase the overall size of the text.
4.) Online shopping can make it easier for seniors to get the things they need without going out to the store. You can also use services like pea-pod, amazon, etc. that deliver groceries and products directly to your home.
5.) A big benefit of technology for the elderly is the ability to better manage their medical history/records and medication information thanks to the integration of healthcare informatics. For example, if an app such as Rxmindme is downloaded, you can view when you need to pick up a new prescription or get a refill. You may also view and track the kind of medications you have taken or are currently taking. Now, let's say you visit another doctor other than your primary care physician (PCP), and they want to prescribe you a new medication, it would be easy to check which other meds you are taking and if they can be taken together or not. This is very beneficial because you have instant access to all of this information.
However, though there are tons of other apps that can be used, you may want to talk to your doctor about this, they may have an app they use within their office which can help you to better communicate with your doctor and/or doctor's office.
6.) With new technology like the cleaning robots, your loved one will not have to stress about doing certain cleaning jobs like vacuuming that may cause some safety issues such as lugging the vacuum itself or tripping over the cord when in use. The robot cleaner allows your loved to easily avoid this task and related health risks.
7.) Voice automated features like Alexa or Siri can be programmed to remind you to do things throughout the day, since this is a system that can you can talk to and vice versa.
This can range from it reminding you to take your medication everyday or that you have the oven on and need to check it in 25 minutes. This can be very beneficial to seniors because it takes the stress away of having to remember so many things.
There are many benefits to having your loved one integrate technology into their lives and if you are successful in getting them to agree to it, it can essentially improve their quality of life. Technology provides them with simple means of communication, more safety, reminders and entertainment.
If you wish to help your loved one adopt technology also consider in-home care assistance, where an assigned caregiver can work with them on strengthening their skills with it. This way someone, such as their caregiver who knows them well can give good guidance and assistance in learning this new knowledge.
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