Cellphones and other devices have become indispensable in today’s modern lifestyle. This notion has been further endorsed by advertising, showing that young people increasingly rely on their gadgets for nearly everything. With gaming, streaming, and shopping applications dominating the scene, traditional face-to-face interaction is becoming less essential. The US Census Bureau projects that by 2040, roughly 80 million Americans will be over the age of 65.
Since the end of 2020, older adults have increasingly turned to technology as a bridge to the outside world. There often isn’t a grandchild or nearby neighbor available to help them with errands or tech-related tasks.
How Do Technologies Support the Elderly at Home?
As the population ages, the likelihood of older individuals remaining in their family homes rises. Technology plays a crucial role in assisting seniors with various daily tasks.
#1. Maintaining Connections While Isolated
When leaving home becomes challenging and mobility within elderly living environments is limited, technology enables seniors to communicate on multiple levels. Online shopping is a primary example, particularly for groceries and daily necessities.
Another significant aspect is the utilization of communication and social media applications. Previously disinterested seniors now leverage these platforms to stay connected with family and friends.
Research conducted by Penn State University revealed that individuals aged 65 and older represent the fastest-growing demographic on Facebook; many utilize this platform to interact and maintain connections with their loved ones. Additionally, these devices serve as a source of entertainment, with many older adults engaging in online gaming.
#2. Delaying Transitions to Care Facilities
Ongoing research aims to develop technologies that support and promote autonomy among older adults. This effort is part of an interdisciplinary initiative at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, known as CHART (Collaboration in Health, Aging, Research, and Technology).
The program focuses on engaging with seniors to understand their needs and incorporate their preferences in creating “home-based technologies that enhance safety, independence, and overall quality of life for older individuals.”
#3. Technology-Enabled Healthcare
Innovative technologies are being developed to facilitate healthcare for seniors, ranging from specialized cameras that can document wounds and connect them with telehealth professionals to robotic arms designed to help with everyday tasks. A research team is exploring the effects of the cognitive training program Lumosity to improve memory, verbal skills, and attention among seniors.
How Can We Assist the Elderly with Technology?
In addition to ongoing research, numerous local technology initiatives aim to boost digital literacy by instructing older adults in new technologies. Nonprofit organizations are providing funding to support agencies focused on helping seniors gain digital skills, offering tech support, and even financial assistance for internet access.
The AARP’s digital community center frequently hosts webinars covering various topics to assist seniors with issues related to social media, online security, smartphones, tablets, and more.
#1. Devices for Home Use
Recently, the technology purchases by seniors constituted a significant share of overall sales. Additionally, health-monitoring devices also witnessed a surge in demand, essential for accessing telehealth services and social media.
For those unable to afford their own devices, organizations like Rhode Island’s digiAGE program distributed iPads in 2021.
#2. Access to Broadband
Expanding broadband access has helped eliminate one of the key barriers to digital device usage. Angela Siefer, executive director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, emphasizes that their mission is “a matter of life and death.”
While it may sound dramatic, the aim is to underscore the severe impact on those lacking access to reliable internet services, especially during the transition away from in-person support.
The US government has introduced a $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program for low-income individuals, which recently became available. This temporary program offers a $50 monthly discount on high-speed internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for the purchase of a computer or tablet, available to older adults upon application.
#3. Education and Mentoring
Older adults commonly rely on family members and senior centers for assistance in learning new technologies. However, many organizations offer training programs that empower seniors to confidently pursue online education.
- Generations on Line, based in Philadelphia, provides an online curriculum for smartphones and tablets, along with tutorials on videoconferencing and telehealth, and a “family coaching kit” to assist older adults with technology. Demand for their services surged tenfold during the pandemic.
- OATS (Older Adults Technology Services), affiliated with AARP, has expanded the scope of its digital literacy programs and operates a national hotline for technical assistance. OATS runs Senior Planet, offering technology training in Colorado, New York, Maryland, and California.
- Cyber-Seniors connects older adults with high school or college students who serve as tech mentors, having trained over 10,000 seniors since April 2020—three times the usual average for previous years. These services are provided free of charge, supported by grants and partnerships with government and nonprofit organizations.
- Candoo Tech, launched in February 2019, works directly with seniors in 32 states as well as with institutions like libraries and senior centers. They offer technology training by phone or virtually, along with on-demand assistance from “tech concierges” who provide advice on purchasing devices and help set them up for immediate use.
- Get Setup employs older adults to teach skills to their peers in small, interactive sessions. It began in February 2020 with a focus on technology training, recognizing that “fear of technology” was hindering seniors from exploring “a vast world of online experiences,” according to founder Neil Dsouza. Retired teachers provide tech support over the phone for those unfamiliar with digital devices.
- SeniorNet delivers digital training to seniors aged 55 and older, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.
Conclusion
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