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While technology has played a part of everyday life for many years now, its permeation into every aspect of life is undeniable now. Moving forward, seniors will need to learn to, at the very least, live with tech’s influence in their lives. However, seniors also have an opportunity to embrace technology and the benefits it can bring them. While the pace of technological progression can be head spinning at times, one doesn’t need to be on the cutting edge to gain benefits from its use. It can offer countless benefits for seniors, helping them stay connected, engaged, and independent with just a few well selected apps and websites. Whether it’s through video calls with loved ones, exploring social media, or using apps to simplify daily tasks, embracing technology can significantly enhance quality of life.
At this point, texting and video call apps are present on almost every phone and tablet. While they have been around for a while, the benefits of being able to connect with loved ones from wherever and whenever cannot be overstated. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok offer great ways for seniors to stay engaged with their communities and interests. Instagram allows for sharing special moments and keeping up with family. These platforms also provide entertainment, news, and educational content that can keep seniors informed and inspired. These are probably the most utilized apps by seniors currently. However, with a little more research and understanding, there are a whole host of options that technology provides that can be of value to the senior population.
Whether it is a pre-installed app or something you have to download from an app store, there are a host of programs that can benefit seniors. A few examples include:
- Health & Fitness Apps: MyFitnessPal, Fitbit, and Apple Health help track steps, monitor heart rate, and encourage an active lifestyle. These are great ways to keep track of how active someone is and to give them a little nudge if they aren’t hitting their goals.
- Medication Reminders: Apps like Medisafe ensure that medications are taken on time, allowing people to stay independent and without the need for monitoring activities of daily living longer.
- Ride-Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft provide convenient transportation options for seniors who no longer drive. There are options to allow family members, caregivers, and even retirement community reception staff to book rides as well. Even if someone is not comfortable using the app to book a ride, a service like GoGoGrandparent lets seniors call a number and request a ride without having the actual app on their phone.
- Entertainment & Learning: Kindle, Audible, and YouTube offer access to tons of content on a wide range of topics. No matter how niche the topic is, there is content out there about it.
While technology can be incredibly beneficial, it’s also important to stay aware of online scams and security risks. Because seniors did not grow up in the technological climate that younger generations did, seniors can be susceptible to scams. Seniors need to be mindful of:
- Phishing Scams: Fraudulent emails and messages that attempt to get seniors to provide personal information that can then be used for nefarious purposes.
- Fake Social Media Profiles: Scammers will pose as acquaintances and even family members to gain trust and request money or private information.
- Unsecure Websites: When shopping or banking online, always look for “https” in the URL to ensure a secure connection. The “s” at the end stands for “secure”. Scammers have gotten very good at creating websites that look and act like the real thing, but once you enter your payment information, they have it and will use it for unauthorized purchases.
- Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers: The old saying holds true with technological offers – if a deal sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
With a little education, training, and a few security measures, the online environment can be a lot more inviting to seniors. Strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and awareness of the latest scams can help eliminate the majority of risk that seniors face online. There are organizations like AARP that offer resources directly aimed at informing seniors. Senior centers and retirement community IT departments can also be great resources for information.
Embracing technology can open new doors for seniors, offering them connection, entertainment, and convenience at their fingertips. One doesn’t need to be an expert or power user to get benefits from technology. At eliseo, we encourage lifelong learning and exploration, including the use of technology to enrich daily life. Whether through virtual gatherings, social media engagement, or useful apps, there are endless opportunities for seniors to stay active and connected in today’s digital world. Start small and see what kind of opportunities open up for you.