With technology advancing at such a rapid rate, it can be a challenge for some older adults to keep up with the pace. However, a recent study from the Pew Research Center shows that more and more seniors are catching up, especially when it comes to the internet. Internet use among seniors has risen steadily since 2000 when just 14% of seniors were internet users. Today, 67% of adults ages 65 and older say they go online.
How Does Technology Use Affect Seniors?
Pew Research Center also reports that older adults are the fastest-growing segment of the online population. Not only that but seniors who use technology feel more connected to others, are better engaged in the community and world around them and are more informed about current events. Here are more ways that technology use benefits seniors:
1. Ensuring Personal Safety During Emergencies
If an emergency happens, there are numerous technological devices that provide peace of mind for your safety. For example, if you’re alone and suffer a fall in your home, you can call for help with just the push of a button on a monitoring device or even your cell phone. Other technology like window and door alarms, video cameras and security systems can help you feel protected and safe at home.
2. Keeping in Touch With Family and Friends
Although nothing can ever replace in-person connections and quality time with your friends and family, social media has become a great way to stay informed about your loved ones’ lives. As friends and families are becoming more separated from each other due to geographical moves, video chats, texting and social networking sites like Facebook and Instagram keep you connected with loved ones, no matter where they are located.
3. Improving Your Mental and Physical Well-Being
Another benefit of technology for seniors is that it can help improve cognition and memory skills. There are several online “brain games” that can help seniors stay mentally sharp. For example, games like Tetris or Solitaire help with spatial recognition and memory, while logic games like Sudoku and chess involve problem-solving and forward planning skills. AARP has a list of games that are beneficial for seniors to play.
For physical health, interactive game systems like the Nintendo Wii or PlayStation have games that are motion-controlled, allowing a fun chance for seniors to do light physical exercise from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, there are numerous fitness trackers like the Fitbit that make it fun and easy to track the number of steps you take each day.
4. Staying Informed About News and Current Events
While it’s true that many seniors still prefer to get their news and information from more traditional media like the newspaper or local news, it can be more convenient and timely to get access to the latest news on your mobile phone, tablet or computer. When breaking news happens around the world, you can find immediate coverage online.
5. Improving Your Social Wellness
We already know that social interaction plays a direct role in your physical, mental and emotional health. But did you know that technology for seniors is a great way to stay socially active and engaged? There are a variety of online community groups and message boards where you can connect with others who share similar interests and hobbies. You can discuss your favorite books, movies and tv shows, or share gardening tips and crafting ideas.
A Vibrant and Enriching Lifestyle at Saint Simeon’s
At Saint Simeon’s, our residents enjoy the use of technology to help them stay engaged, healthy and connected to those they love. As part of our life-enriching services and amenities, we offer Wii Active gaming sessions several times a month so seniors can engage in physical exercise and have fun at the same time! To learn more about our comfortable senior living options, please contact us today.
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