Recent years have illustrated how technology may play an important role in quality of life for seniors. “The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that a comfortable relationship with technology is an important need for older adults,” says Sara J. Czaja, PhD, director of the Center on Aging and Behavioral Research at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. “People who saw no value in having access to a computer or mobile device before the pandemic now see that value because having access allows them to connect with family and loved ones.”1
Benefits of technology for seniors
Access to transportation and food
Some mobile applications (apps) and websites make it possible to have groceries, prepared meals or meal kits delivered directly to the home. Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft may be a good option for seniors who want to remain independent but lack the ability or desire to drive.2
Monitoring health and well-being
Virtual care technologies like telehealth and remote patient monitoring are allowing some seniors with acute conditions to be cared for at home. This care delivery model has been shown to reduce costs, improve outcomes and enhance the patient experience, according to the American Hospital Association.3
Wearable devices and associated apps put health data in the hands of the wearers, giving older adults more information that may empower them to be active in decision-making about their own healthcare.4
Keeping seniors safe
Some home security and personal protection devices are integrated into mobile apps and accessed via tablets or smartphones.5
Connection with friends and family
Video calls allow people to see and hear each other and may be the next best thing to meeting in person. Calls can be one-to-one or a whole group can get together virtually for a family chat or a game night.6
Access to latest news and trends
Many news shows and informational programs are available for streaming on computers, tablets or smartphones, including podcast (audio) format for those with visual impairments.7
Entertainment
Popular entertainment—including music, films and episodes of TV shows—is also available in digitally delivered formats.8
Supports peace of mind
For seniors who are still active, require a low level of care and want to stay in their own home, virtual retirement communities are a viable option. Membership in a virtual retirement community allows individuals to live in their own home while providing access to a staff that organizes services and programs for members. Those services may include transportation, assistance with medical appointments, grocery shopping, organized group outings and help applying for benefits.9
Some useful technology for older adults
Cell phones and smartphones
83% of U.S. adults age 50-64 and 61% of adults 65+ own a smartphone, which is a cellular phone device with the capabilities of a personal computer. These devices not only connect friends and family, but also allow seniors to utilize social networks and keep up with the latest news.10
Tablets and e-readers
Tablets and e-readers provide larger screens than cell phones, often making them the preferred choice for reading, watching videos, playing digital games or browsing social media. Some tablets are designed specifically for senior users. Both feature the ability to store hundreds of books, customize the font size, and manipulate screen brightness for maximum readability. They’re also easy to hold and carry.11
Fitness trackers
Wearable devices that track things like heart rate, steps taken, calories burned and hours slept may be helpful for health-conscious seniors who want insights into their activity levels. Fitness trackers include the opportunity to join virtual communities to share progress and enjoy friendly competition.12
Medical alert systems
Medical alert systems have become more sophisticated, and some now include fall detection, companion apps, activity monitoring and caregiver integrations. These devices are particularly important for seniors living alone.13
Smart home devices
Smart home devices generally work with a smartphone to provide automation, safety and convenience for seniors in the home. Video doorbells show who is knocking at the door, even when the user is away from home. Video doorbells send images to a smartphone or tablet, as well as a two-way speaker for communication with the visitor, and in some cases the opportunity to unlock the door remotely.14
Smart speakers, like Alexa or Siri, can reply to spoken requests with information about the time or weather, for example. They can also be programmed to speak reminders—perhaps about medication schedules—to make calls, send texts, play music and more. Functionality is voice-activated, and convenient for seniors with dexterity challenges.15
How seniors can learn to use technology
Digital literacy training may give older adults the skills and confidence to access information and services online.16 There is probably a family member or friend available and willing to show seniors how to navigate digital devices. If not, there are:
- How-to guides for seniors, available at bookstores, the local library or online.17
- Online services that offer technology lessons and instructional videos that allow seniors to learn at their own pace. Quick overviews of many tech topics, like setting up a Facebook account or making a Zoom call, are available on YouTube and not hard to find using a keyword search.18
- Workshops and classes on topics like computer basics for beginners, or how to become proficient using certain software or applications, are increasingly in demand and may be available in the local community.19
Modern society relies a great deal on technology to provide the speed, connectivity and efficiency that makes some daily tasks easier. Older adults shouldn’t underestimate how helpful technology can be.
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Sources:
1Tori DeAngelis, “Optimizing tech for older adults,” American Psychological Association, last accessed September 1, 2022,
2“Transportation: What Caregivers Need to Know,” AARP, last accessed September 26, 2022,
3Jordan Scott, “3 Senior Care Tech Trends to Watch in 2022,” HealthTech, last accessed September 1, 2022,
4“3 Senior Care Tech Trends to Watch in 2022.”
5Christina Ianzito, “Remote Monitoring Systems Can Give Caregivers Peace of Mind,” AARP, last accessed September 26, 2022,
6“Staying Connected With Video Calling – FaceTime,” AARP, last accessed September 26, 2022,
7Brittne Kakulla, “Older Adults Embrace Tech for Entertainment and Day-to-Day Living,” AARP, last accessed September 26, 2022,
8Kakulla, “Older Adults Embrace Tech for Entertainment and Day-to-Day Living.”
9Joseph Coughlin, “Call it virtual assisted living: Seniors can stay in their homes longer thanks to pandemic hacks,” MarketWatch, last accessed September 26, 2022,
10Michelle Faverio, “Share of those 65 and older who are tech users has grown in the past decade,” Pew Research Center, last accessed September 26, 2022,
11Marc Saltzman, “What to Look for in Your First (or Next) Tablet,” AARP, last accessed September 26, 2022,
12Edward C. Baig, “Health-Related Wearables Can Track Data for Your Doctor,” AARP, last accessed September 26, 2022,
13Jenny Wisniewski, “The 12 Best Medical Alert Systems in 2022,” NCOA, last accessed September 26, 2022,
14Deb Hipp, “Expert Recommended Smart Home Upgrades Fro Aging In Place,” Forbes Health, last accessed September 26, 2022,
15Hipp, “Expert Recommended Smart Home Upgrades Fro Aging In Place.”
16“How To Become Tech Savvy Seniors In 10 Days,” Aging in Place, last accessed September 1, 2022,
17“How To Become Tech Savvy Seniors in 10 Days.”
18“How To Become Tech Savvy Seniors in 10 Days.”
19“How To Become Tech Savvy Seniors in 10 Days.”
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