Technology and Ageing

________________________________________

It is certainly true to say 'we've never had it so good' when it comes to relying on our trusted labor saving devices. The elderly and technology have formed a relationship that continues the upward trend of knowledgeable trajectory. The IT savvy pensioner is fast approaching the knowledgeable teenager of today. Elderly people are not nervous of their 'new' tools anymore. Below are 9 ways that technology is having a positive impact of the elderly today.

________________________________________

Computers and the Elderly

The vast array of ways that allow anybody to get digitally connected these days provides many choices. The somewhat outdated means of connecting to the world, the desktop computer, appears to be disappearing rapidly. Replacing what was once a Windows based business machine, Apple are now flooding the market with their aesthetic, lifestyle enhancing iMAC range of futuristic, beautiful desktops.

A laptop computer, whether Windows or Apple, seems to be the preferred choice of older people these days, who will always choose simplicity over bulk. Tablets, iPads, or any SMART devices provide even more choice. Simplicity and style are the new processes by which older people are becoming IT aware.

The beauty of getting on board with the digital revolution is that it is so simple compared to its early years of induction. Swipe, cut & paste, drag & drop, right-click, register, are terms so familiar to us nowadays because of mainly the rote-learning skills we adopted during our childhood years. Having adopted our new IT skills, using it to better our lives is for most of us as easy as it was when we learnt to drive a car.

We are also very much aware, support is only ever a mouse click away.

________________________________________

The Internet and the Elderly

Whichever device an elderly person chooses to connect to the internet, the fact more old people are now online than ever before is a testament to the wisdom shown by those who foresaw IT as not just being for young people.

Those who opt for open-mindedness, of which millions upon millions of elderly people have done, the somewhat tricky skill of mastering connectivity to the internet opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Once you are part of the world-wide web, your capacity for boundless opportunities are endless.

The many and varied tasks elderly people have put to use via online connectivity is to order their weekly shop and have it delivered to their door. In fact, shopping as a whole, especially large, well known and trusted corporations like Amazon or eBay, get the most use. The immediacy of dealing with banking, paying bills, or any kind of housekeeping, once you are familiar and comfortable with the process, makes life much easier.

By far the most used and treasured reason for getting connected is to keep in contact with family and friends. Regular video calls via Skype or Facetime are cited as the number one activity that elderly people use the internet for. The second greatest activity is said to be sharing photographs on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram.

________________________________________

Apps and the Elderly

The mainstay of everybody's iPad or tablet these days are the apps that come in handy. We are addicted to the little tabs that are just a click away from providing us with our daily needs.

The majority of apps are accessed via our tablets or cell phones. Of course, the term ‘app’ is the short term for application. They are a digitised computer link that allows people access information faster - with just one click.

The amount and range of apps available run into their millions. Their subject matter covers; newspapers, TV news outlets, weather, games, films, movie players, and many more. As regards older people, specific apps have been written to keep elderly people safe.

When surveyed about the apps that were most popular among people over 65, those used more regularly than any other regularly accounting for the top 10 were:-

Skype

Facebook

Netflix

Amazon

WhasApp

Youtube

FaceTime

Senior Fitness Workout

Pill Reminder Pro

Pocket Physio

________________________________________

Social Media and the Elderly

Social media these days is a catch-all term used specifically for internet, collective societal interaction to keep society in contact and aware of each other's activity. The top 5 players can be said to be: Facebook; YouTube, Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest.

Facebook has grown to be the biggest exponent of what it set out to do originally, and still is the dominant force in its niche. It is with this in mind that in this discussion we will solely concentrate on mentioning just Facebook when referring to social media.

Older people are the fastest growing demographic on Facebook today. Facebook is the tool that has enabled elderly people to get in touch, and stay in touch, with friends and relatives. Bringing meaning to their lives, there are those who have been able to rediscover contacts that they thought were lost forever. The Immediacy of seeing pictures, watching videos, even talking to loved ones, is something many elderly people have come to treasure. As more elderly people become expert at manipulating the platform and its idiosyncrasies, it is becoming more self-evident.

The urban myth that tries to convince us all that every person over the age of 60 is technically inept, is fast becoming a nonsense. Maybe older people have a little catching up to do as regards fully mastering information technology, but many have begun their journey and won't stop. Facebook it appears is just the beginning for many.

________________________________________

GPS Trackers for the Elderly

Now we are hurtling towards the end of the second decade of the 21st century, we can be thankful for the advances in technology that keep our elderly love ones safe.

The marvellous advances in science which have vastly prolonged life for many of those who would have succumbed to ailments of years gone by, now find themselves living much longer. It is heartbreaking to have to come to terms with greater age sometimes equalling a loss of faculties. When Alzheimer's disease or dementia take hold of what was once a fierce independence that your parent possessed, something needs to be done. Fortunately, we are now in a position to keep our loved ones safe.

Without being too obtrusive, the whereabouts of any person can be tracked wherever they may wander. There are now available so many easy to use wearable devices with many features that can been worn as necklaces, bracelets, pendants or watches, that can will keep your mum/dad safe. There is even a device that can be worn in your shoe.

Peace of mind and the ability to be aware of where your elderly relative is at all times is now available to everybody.

________________________________________

Voice Recognition Software for the Elderly

Voice recognition technology is continuing to advance at an alarmingly rapid pace. Many products are now a lot more intuitive than they were in their infancy. They software is becoming much easier to use. People, including those of an elderly disposition, have become a lot more comfortable with using this technology and its large variety of devices.

One category of device is the simple Google voice command that your machine allows you to search its databases for the billions of answers you require. A speaker and a clear voice is all you need.

Google Home will provide a more detailed oral reply to your query, as will device like Alex and Amazon Echo. All you need is the requisite hardware and software. Hours of fun and education will the await you. The many uses for elderly people in being able to access such equipment have been demonstrated to me on many occasions. The power to bring back memories and relive the past is just one such use.

________________________________________

The Relationship Between Cell Phones and the Elderly

The phenomena that is the rapid ageing population throughout the world today according to the World Health Organization (WHO), report that our growing ageing population is reaching 694 million aged 60 and over elderly people.

In developed countries, mobile/cell phone usage and its service for senior citizens is absolutely paramount. Elderly people's dependency on their phones is without doubt completely one of utter reliance. Here we look at the relationship between mobile/cell phones and senior citizens.

Several studies have been undertaken, all of which show how dependent not just the elderly, but all ages and sections of society have become addicted to their phones. The power, usefulness, flexibility and ease with which we are able to accomplish the simplest of tasks has endeavoured to make our dependence on our devices more solid.

The elderly, just as much as the rest of society, have quite quickly come to depend and rely on their phones for almost every task. Maybe there was a time when a telephone had a cord attached to it, and it was used for having a conversation with one other person, not any more.

________________________________________

Virtual Services for the Elderly

Practically gone are the days where bureaucracy and reams of paperwork hold up the process of serving an ever expectant public who refuse to wait. Thanks to technology and contemporary practices, banks and banks of filing cabinets and index cards are a thing of the past.

These times of touch screen technology have simplified systems for visiting doctors or attending any type of appointment. To be able to access a database at the touch of a button to make the correct person aware of the status of your personal information, and how to proceed, is made available to you.

It can sometimes feel like technology is taking over and we are constantly asking ourselves where will it end? If we embrace the gift we have be given and instead of clinging to the queue for the checkout, we give the self service a go instead, our lives will move much faster and easier.

There is always going to be some a little discomfort in the transition. Focussing on the technology that plays a vital role in assisting all of us to age with as much dignity as possible is the goal any virtual assistant.

________________________________________

Technology Empowering the Elderly

The way that a section of the elderly community have taken technology to their hearts and fully embraced its potential has provided many a new lease of life, and at the same time ensured a longer life through employing brain power and dexterity.

Certain people possessing the requisite mindset, who were always active and involved during their working live, have now seen the power of technology for what it can give. These people are now using the new advances in IT as a tool for which it was meant to be. Just 3 ways in which these practices are making themselves known are through:-

Coding: A natural progression from many who dabbled in electronics and their capabilities, coding now provides a simpler digital format to provide more and better results.

Entrepreneurship: Many have recognised the power and potential technology has for providing a path to freedom for them through being able to reach billions of potential customers. Turning their hands to affiliate marketing, easily accessing the stock market, writing, teaching courses, coaching, and selling their expertise to name just a small sample of what can be achieved.

Websites building: A website is a simple thing to build. It is even easier now than ever. A multitude of people have built, and maintain, websites and blogs dedicated to their hobbies and passions. This alone provides the stimulus required to maintain healthy life.

________________________________________

Conclusion

We do have an extremely fast growing elderly population that seemingly may tip the balance of care being able to be sufficiently provided for them. I believe we are in a healthy state as regards advances in technology and how elderly people are adopting it.

The future is in good hands as regards what IT is providing for us, and what we are getting from these advances. Sometimes however, it can be beneficial to look towards the past.