How Seniors Can Benefit From Cutting Edge Technology
Added on July 21st, 2016
Many seniors are embracing technology like never before. Health professionals have noted how technology helps reduce depression and improve cognitive brain function among middle-aged and older adults. Seniors tend to embrace technology once they connect the dots and see how it improves their quality of life.
Tablets and iPads
Tablets and iPads have made it much easier for people of all ages to embrace technology. Seniors can use tablets to view photos of their family and friends. Viewing photos of familiar people is a great activity for those people suffering from dementia. You can listen to internet radio stations featuring popular music from the 1950s. More and more people are reading books on tablets today. Amazon.com reports that sales of eBooks exceed sales of paperback books.
Computers for Seniors
Advances in technology have made computers more user-friendly for seniors. There are even computers like the WOW! Computer™ which are designed specifically for seniors. If you can’t drive anymore, you can still pay your bills and order products online. Computers make life easier when your body slows down. If you enjoy cooking, websites like Pinterest make it easy to find recipes you can make at home. Social media sites like Facebook will keep you connected with your younger family members who are online for hours every day.
There is increasing evidence showing how seniors can improve their mental agility, physical health, and cognition through playing computer games like Wii Fit, Tetris, and Angry Birds. You can watch many of your favorite TV shows on the internet on sites like YouTube and Hulu.
Skype
With video chatting on Skype, you can spend time with others no matter where they live. On video calls, your face will appear on their computer, and their face will appear on your computer. Even if you can’t travel anymore due to health reasons, you can stay safe in your own home and spend time with family and friends through video chats. If you are involved with special interest groups, you can meet people all over the world through Skype.
Smart Phones
As technology improves, new cell phones are easy for seniors to use. Cell phones are critically important for keeping seniors safe in the event of a fall or other medical emergency where they may need immediate help. You can also set up reminders on your phone so you don’t forget to take your medication. For seniors with memory loss, assign photos with saved phone numbers in your contacts so their face appears when they call you. Smartphones are also equipped with navigation systems which will give you driving directions to wherever you want to go.
Young people today don’t send letters through “snail mail”. They stay connected through Facebook, Smart Phones, iPads, tablets, and Skype exclusively. Grandparents can stay connected with their grandchildren through this modern technology. Even if your body won’t let you get out much anymore, you don’t have to feel like you are disconnected from the world. Computers and other electronic devices bring the world to you! You can be safe and improve your quality of life when you embrace all of the technology available today.
To learn more about how technology can improve the lives of seniors, reach out to us on our Contact Us page.