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Healthcare | November 1, 2024
Loneliness is a real problem for seniors, especially for those living alone. Research shows that social isolation can have significant negative effects on seniors, including greater risk of physical illness, cognitive decline, and dementia.
Fortunately, technology has made it easier for older adults to communicate with the people they love. Below we explore some of the best tools that seniors can use to stay connected with family and friends and offer tips on how to introduce these technologies effectively.
Older adults are no strangers to mobile devices. AARP’s 2024 tech report found that 89% of adults over the age of 50 owned smart phones and 59% owned tablets. Both rates were nearly the same for people aged 18-49, and seniors aged 70 and older were only a few percentage points behind everyone else.
The reason for this growing trend is simple – smart phones and tablets give seniors near-instant access to their family and friends. These devices also give seniors some options on how they can communicate with loved ones, whether they decide to call, text, email, or reach out in some other way.
While smartphones and tablets are increasingly popular, they can still pose some problems for older adults. The following features can help make mobile devices easier for seniors to use.
While more seniors have adopted the use of smartphones and tablets, AARP’s technology report found that only 33% of older adults own a home assistant. The jump from a mobile device to a device like Google Home may be intimidating for some older adults, but these smart devices can be very beneficial for some seniors.
The most notable advantage of home devices is that they can make it easier for seniors to keep in touch with family. Voice-activated controls allow seniors to make hands-free calls and texts to family and friends. This capability is especially helpful for seniors with eyesight issues or problems with dexterity. Seniors can also enjoy other benefits, such as the ability to:
A conversation is great, but sometimes it’s nice to have a face-to-face chat with someone. Video calling platforms like FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom give seniors the ability to see their loved ones, even if they can’t physically be with them.
Video calls are a great option for seniors, especially if they have loved ones who live far away. Regardless of distance, having a video feed can help seniors stay connected in a variety of ways:
Social media use among seniors has steadily trended upwards in the past decade, with Facebook being the most popular platform for older adults. According to a 2024 report from Pew Research Center, 58% of people aged 65 and older have used Facebook at some point. Other platforms like Instagram are less common, but still offer plenty of potential for seniors to stay connected with loved ones.
One of the most attractive benefits of social media for seniors is that it helps them keep tabs on loved ones, even if those loved ones aren’t the type of people to regularly call or text them. Social media allows seniors to see what people share, allowing them to see what they’re doing, what they’re interested in, and other insights into their day-to-day lives. It also allows seniors to share their own updates if that interests them.
Another great benefit of social media is that it can help seniors rekindle old friendships or discover new people to follow. It’s common for distant relatives, old classmates, and other people to seemingly disappear over time. Social media can help seniors find these people, giving them new connections that can become a regular part of their lives.
Staying connected with loved ones doesn’t always have to involve talking to them. Digital frames give seniors a way to have their family and friends present even when they aren’t available.
Digital frames are like classic framed photos, except that they display a rotating gallery of cherished memories. Seniors can upload their own photos from their mobile device so that they can also have visual reminders of loved ones nearby. Other people can add photos as well, allowing aging adults to see fun family photos, pictures from vacations, and any other images that seniors can enjoy in their own home.
Tools are great, but they won’t help if people don’t use them. There are a variety of reasons why seniors are hesitant to use communication tools ranging from difficulty understanding technology to skepticism about how much they can help.
Regardless of the reason, it can take some time to help loved ones adopt a new tool. This hesitation is completely natural – change can be uncomfortable. Consider these tips when helping your loved one adopt new tools.
With a little patience and the right approach, technology can give seniors the means to combat loneliness and foster meaningful connections across generations. Seniors don’t need to master every new gadget – but finding a few right solutions can enhance their quality of life and strengthen relationships.
However, not all seniors have access to these tools. Research shared by the National Library of Medicine indicates that internet use among low-income older adults may be as low as 17% due to a lack of digital access and literacy. That lack of equitable access is why National Church Residences is leading efforts to improve digital connectivity for older adults. Seniors deserve to have the means to build more meaningful human connections, and the technology can help them stay connected as they enjoy their golden years.
National Church Residences support better living for seniors wherever they call home. Discover how we can help seniors maintain their ideal lifestyle and stay connected, whether they want to find the right community for them or need support where they currently live.
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