Why Seniors Need Technology In Their Lives

“I don’t need it.”
“I don’t like it.”
“I don’t trust it.”
If someone in your family is of senior age, you’re probably heard one or more of those statements made in reference to many of the electronic marvels that have become commonplace in today’s world. While younger generations embrace new technologies with excitement, many older adults do the opposite. They resist and even fear it, with some suffering from what is referred to as “tech anxiety.”
Everyone has a fear of the unknown. That’s natural regardless of a person’s age. For seniors, their unfamiliarity with what the new technologies are and what they can do is what makes them feel anxious. They simply don’t understand how it works and how it can improve their lives. Fortunately, there’s an easy cure for tech anxiety. It’s showing seniors how their lives can be much better with it than without it.
Here are some of the most beneficial technologies that every senior should know about and understand:
1. Smart phones.
There are many smart phones on the market that are specifically designed for seniors with features that make them easy to use and navigate. Some of the phones have large display screens with easy-to-use buttons including an emergency call feature. Other phones have hearing aid compatibility and voice command software that makes calling and hearing someone as simple as saying their name. Seniors also enjoy the simplicity of taking pictures that they can share with loved ones. No matter how technologically challenged someone may be, there is a smart phone available today that a senior can learn to use quickly and with confidence.

2. Smart watches.
Senior smart watches can be a life enhancing and saving device. Because smart watches are worn on the wrist, seniors typically have it with them wherever they go. The GPS capability enables family members and caregivers to always know a senior’s exact location, something that is an important benefit when dealing with memory loss issues. Smart watches can also send notifications for social or medical appointments as well as medication reminders. Like the smart phones they are paired with, a smart watch can be used to reach emergency services if needed. Some watches can also perform heart rate, blood pressure and physical activity monitoring.

3. Tile Stickers/Air Tags
Tile stickers and Air Tags are small, affordable electronic devices about the size of a quarter that are used to track the whereabouts of anything. Just attach one to a wallet, purse, remote control, car keys, luggage, or anything else important and you will be able to know where it is, 24/7/365. You and your loved one will never again worry about losing these or other important items.

4. Smart Speakers
Smart speakers like Google Alexa make technology accessible to virtually any senior. Because they are voice activated and operated, all that is necessary for a senior to use it is to speak to the device. Smart speakers enable seniors to access information on the internet without the hassle of scrolling on an electronic screen. Whether it’s getting a new recipe, learning what the weather will be or when a favorite tv show will air, smart speakers make it remarkably easy for seniors to gather this and other useful information. They can even be programmed to turn on and off household things such as lights, thermostats, televisions and just about any electrically operated device.

5. Bluetooth Headphones
Many seniors struggle with hearing loss issues, making listening to music, the radio or television difficult. Wireless Bluetooth headphones solve this problem by enabling seniors to boost the volume to a level that is comfortable for them. Seniors never again have to turn the sound of their listening or viewing devices up to a point it bothers or distracts others.
Once seniors become familiar with modern technologies, they tend to embrace it wholeheartedly. The primary reason why is because when used correctly, these high-tech devices can help seniors to live independently longer in the comfort and safety of their own homes. While none of these devices will ever replace the need for hands-on medical care, being able to provide doctors, caregivers and family members with important health related information makes life better for everyone involved.
If you know a senior that can benefit from technology, be patient during their learning curve. Explain as simply as possible what it is, how it works and why they should use it. Avoid technical terms and steer clear of trying to explain how the technological processes work. Once your loved one masters the device so they can use it easily on their own, everyone wins.