Seniors and Technology: Embracing the Digital Age

While seniors are generally considered “late adopters” for most technology, more and more older people are beginning to embrace the digital age. According to Pew Research, almost 60% of American seniors over age 65 are now online, a number that is increasing rapidly each year, especially now in the midst of the current pandemic. In order to stay safe, seniors are reaching out through technology to keep in touch with family and friends that they’re otherwise not able to connect with due to COVID-19.

At Carillon Senior Living, the only LifeCare community in Lubbock and the West Texas area, we understand that social connection is an important aspect of whole-body wellness and staying healthy. Socialization, one element of the 8 dimensions of wellness that we embrace in our daily programming, has a positive impact on seniors by reducing isolation and improving mental wellness.  As the pandemic has strained our normal social engagements, many are turning to digital means to fulfill their social needs and adapting their routines with these new tools and devices.

Another recent study by Pew Research on older Americans’ use of technology reveals several interesting trends about how many seniors are using the latest gadgets and tools. A few of the perks seniors experience with their technology usage:

• Having access to a computer and the internet allows older people to keep up to date on news and current events, play brain-stimulating (and fun!) games, and research the latest information on topics from medical conditions to travel to healthy recipes.
• Email and social media sites like Facebook help seniors stay in touch with each other as well as family; in fact, over a quarter of seniors are utilizing these sites, according to Pew.
• Tools like Skype and Apple’s FaceTime allow seniors to actually see friends and loved ones who may live far away.
• Highly portable tablets (like iPads) and e-books (like Kindles) are increasingly popular with the older set and can be helpful for aging eyes as a book’s text is brighter and can be magnified if needed.
• Smartphones are a convenient way for seniors to stay connected via voice, email, or text, and more and more older folks are trading in their old flip phones for a new smartphone.

Bridging the Technology Generation Gap

It’s apparent that more and more seniors are ready and willing to jump on the technology bandwagon. But as evidenced by viral videos of grandparents trying to video chat, learning how to use computers and smartphones isn’t always second nature to seniors. Some find it intimidating or just plain frustrating. Others are eager to learn how to use the devices but are concerned about the associated costs.

Like Carillon, many continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs, also known as life plan communities) across the country have noted this trend of increasingly tech-savvy seniors…or at least seniors who would like to become more comfortable with technology. As a result, these communities are exploring creative new ways to meet their residents’ desire for greater connectivity.

Wi-Fi Access:

More and more retirement communities, including Carillon, are providing residents with high-speed wireless internet service (also known as Wi-Fi). So no matter where you are on the Carillon campus enjoying the various services and amenities, you’ll always be connected.  It is also important to note that high-speed internet is a necessity for video chatting (such as Skype or FaceTime), a popular activity for seniors who live far from loved ones.

Educational Classes:

Teach a person to fish and they will eat for life–some Life Plan communities provide residents with training sessions on how to use digital devices like tablets and smartphones, how to use social sites like Facebook, or how to Skype or FaceTime with a grandchild. Students from local high schools or colleges are also volunteering their time at certain retirement centers to teach residents about the latest online tools. It’s a great opportunity for intergenerational learning!

Shared & Refurbished Devices:

Cognizant of the expense involved in purchasing these techie devices, many Life Plan communities offer access to communal tablets, which residents can “check out” for a certain period of time (sanitized, of course!). Another great option for seniors who want to dip their toe into the technology pool is to purchase a refurbished model. Since technology changes so rapidly (Apple releases updated products almost every year), you can easily find a gently used device for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

Getting Seniors Wired

Staying in touch with friends and loved ones is beneficial to the mental health of seniors, and with today’s digital devices, it is easier than ever to keep connected, which is why we encourage tech learning here at Carillon. From offering Wi-Fi to digital education classes, residents at Carillon are encouraged and supported in mastering new tech skills and staying connected— safely and virtually! If you live in a Life Plan community and are interested in learning how to use the latest technology, check with your programs director to see if training classes are offered or could be formed. Intro to technology classes are also offered by some public libraries, senior centers, or community colleges. There’s no time like the present–so get online and start surfing!

Connect with Carillon Senior Living

To learn more about Carillon Senior Living, give us a call at (806) 281-6106 and follow us on Facebook!

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The above article was written by Brad Breeding of myLifeSite and is legally licensed for use.