In recent years, a growing number of older adults are going online to keep up with tech. They are joining social networking sites, playing online games, or just surfing the web to research certain topics. That explains why many technology manufacturers and developers are coming up with senior-friendly technology for seniors.

Reasons for the Digital Divide

Yet, some members of the older population are still a bit hesitant to embrace modern technology in their daily lives. Possible reasons for the gap between seniors and technology are:

• Physical difficulty in learning new technologies
• Skeptic mindset regarding the benefits of technology
• The mindset that they’re “too old” for technology
• Lack of assistance or support

Find Confidence And Keep Up With Tech

Seniors who have begun adopting technology into their lives have realized its importance. In 2016 The Pew Research Center determined that two-thirds of Americans had smartphones, and another two-thirds had broadband.  Today it is much different. Statista computes that 61% of adults over the age of 65 own and use a smartphone. The percentage is much higher the younger the age group. Thus, the percentage of those using smartphones only increases with time. Those individuals have the ability, capacity, and desire to continually pursue learning.

There are many benefits to continually learning new ideas.  The rewards to learners are great. These activities keep your brain active. Seniors who continually learn new ideas say that these activities make them feel more capable and that they feel better adjusted than they did prior to their activities. Many have new perspectives on life, they make more friends easier, and they feel more connected to their community and their acquaintances.

1. Technology Fosters Independent Living Among Seniors

Two main reasons that make independent living difficult for some seniors are poor adherence to taking medications and safety concerns due to their reduced mobility. Hence, their health and safety may be put on the line. New technology, however, is set to defy that.

Using remote health-monitoring systems such as the MediSafe Project. It is a medication management solution that enables caregivers to monitor and manage their patient’s health in a remote setting. Patients will be reminded to take their medication via notification from their smartphone.  If the patient fails to confirm that they’ve taken their pills, a notification will then be sent to the caregiver.

Over the recent years, numerous other health gadgets and apps have been developed. These allow older adults to monitor and manage their health such as medication reminders, heartbeat trackers, and even an app that can automatically request a prescription refill. Here are some easy-to-use health apps which we highly recommend you take advantage of.

Seniors may also try out advanced health gadgets such as fall-detection devices and smartwatches. They feature counting steps and a single-push call-for-help button as well as a medication reminder cap that glows when it’s time for medication.

Moreover, gadgets such as house-cleaning robots or smart appliances can be automatically turned on and off and will make living alone much easier and more comfortable for seniors.

Indeed, technology builds confidence in seniors for them to live independently. This creates confidence in their family to help delay moving their parents into a senior care facility.

2. Technology connects family and friends with one another.

Communication has never been easier due to the technology we have today. Mostly, it’s thanks to the Internet! Send messages instantly through instant messaging. Call family and friends (wherever they are) for free and see them face-to-face over Skype or FaceTime. Connect with long-lost friends or relatives on social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter. Share photos and videos of your loved ones in real-time. There is no doubt that technology plays a key role in bridging the communication gap, continuing family ties, and strengthening bonds.

Whether you’re using a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer, keeping in touch is one of the most fascinating aspects of modern technology.

3. Technology keeps you engaged and entertained.

The Internet is your modern-day theater and playground. You can stream movies on your computer. A subscription to Netflix will grant you access to their media library. They have thousands of movies and television shows available.

The Internet also offers a plethora of online games. AARP online games, for instance, are designed to boost memory and enhance cognitive skills among seniors.

Gaming consoles have also come a long way. Gaming systems can get your body moving. Not only a great way to keep yourself entertained, but they can prove to be an easy workout. As much as the younger generation loves them, seniors can get a lot out of these entertainment gadgets as well.

4. Technology helps older adults stay informed.

Adults can stay in the know about what’s happening across the country and around the world. You can get current event news from internet news networks. You may also subscribe to the Kindle for versions of your favorite newspapers or magazines. You can download eBooks from Kindle and get access to your own library that can store as many as 3,500 books.

Staying informed especially about certain health conditions is just as important. WebMD and the Mayo Health Clinic online are rich resources of health and medical information. You can look up any kind of medical condition and learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and all relevant information.

5. Technology enhances your productivity.

There are many productivity apps that can help seniors stay organized and productive. For instance, evernote is a productivity app that works as an amazing file cabinet. It helps keep mental clutter at bay since it organizes everything for you.

Many seniors are unfamiliar with all the technology, internet, apps, and gadgets. Everything can be learned. In fact, there are some sites that help seniors learn basic computer internet skills. SeniorNet also offers computer classes and helps with technology gadgets and all things connected to the internet. Seniors can also continue their education online by taking online classes from architecture and design to engineering and website design – all this can be accomplished in your own home.

Technology is here not to ruin our lives nor to make our lives more complicated. In fact, it’s the other way around. Technology can help us become more informed so we can make better, sound decisions. Seniors must embrace it. Keeping up with tech is fun and easy. Just get started!