Today’s children are called digital natives. They have never experienced a period where technology and the internet did not exist. In fact, an adorable seven-year-old recently informed me that, “People didn’t know as much before Siri and Google.” If he had asked Siri or searched Google, he may have learned of lovely things called books and libraries. I didn’t admit this to him, but the truth is that the internet and technology have opened a world of connectivity and information that was much more difficult to access before.
What does this mean for our aging population? In many ways, today’s senior population has an advantage over those who came before. They can quickly navigate websites to find answers to common questions and discover options for day to day care that their predecessors were unable to. While we think that seniors are amongst the last to adapt to using technology and the internet, we are also seeing the largest increases in utilization for almost all areas from this demographic.
When we think of all the benefits of using technology and the internet, it is easy to see how seniors can benefit from aging in a dot-com era. Imagine 20 years ago, grandmothers looked forward to weekly calls from their children updating them on the happenings of their lives. Today, they can log on to Facebook from their smartphones and see live streaming of their granddaughter’s ballet recital, then pick up their phones to video chat with said granddaughter and let her know how proud they are. Technology really can be a beautiful thing!
Staying Connected
Gone are the days when those with mobility issues were forced to wear bracelets and necklaces sending a message that, “I have fallen and I can’t get up.” Now, they can keep their cell phones tucked away in their pockets to alert a neighbor, loved one, or emergency workers that they need assistance.
According to Pew Research Center, seniors are using technology more than ever before. This demographic is typically one of the last to incorporate new technology, but now about 80 percent of those aged 65 and older own a cell phone. This is fantastic news and can really improve the health and safety of seniors.
For caregivers, it’s important to identify a cell phone that can be easily used. For some, a smart phone is perfect and will give the bonus of apps and internet browsing. However, if dexterity and vision have become more difficult, it may be best to use a simpler model that allows for traditional telephone usage with large buttons and displays.
Another technology that helps our aging population stay better connected is email. Email started out as a mode of work communication, but now it has become a tool to stay in touch with people and organizations throughout the world. It gives families an option to quickly and easily share updates. It can also provide people with updates on world news, medical test results, and community activities. A monthly church newsletter can help strengthen communities, even for those who may not be able to make it to church regularly.
Social Media
The seniors’ boom into technology hasn’t stopped with smart phones and email accounts. New research shows that those 74 and older are the fastest growing population using social media. The most common social network options include searching on Google, browsing Facebook, and streaming videos on YouTube.
Currently, Facebook reports that it has 39 million users over the age of 65, making up 11 percent of all Facebook users. This demographic isn’t just signing on for short periods of time, 20 percent are spending at least an hour on Facebook each day. Facebook isn’t the only platform seeing a rise in usage from the senior population. Twitter is also seeing a rise. Thirteen percent of adult tweeters are aged 50 plus.
So, what are seniors doing on these social platforms and what can be gained from this trend? The most common reason that seniors are using social platforms is to connect with friends and families. Since younger generations tend to be more transient and often live far away from their extended families, networks such as Facebook allow grandparents to watch their grandchildren’s big events. They’re no longer just watching their grandchildren age through school pictures, they are actively engaged in every step of their lives. Grandparents are “liking” their grandchild’s first teeth popping through, first steps, first soccer teams, and so much more.
These social connections don’t end with watching immediate family grow. Seniors can also connect with distant relatives and perhaps friends with whom they lost touch decades earlier. Perhaps you have thought of your college roommate for years, but were unable to connect. Facebook allows people to become reacquainted simply by searching their name.
Staying Healthy
While connectivity is great, there are health benefits associated with using social platforms as well. A study by the American Psychological Association found that seniors who spend time on social media accounts have elevated moods and are more likely to make healthy lifestyle choices. Many sites on the internet promote “life hacks” — shortcuts that make daily tasks like home and personal care easier and quicker. Self-education on the internet can help seniors make other healthy lifestyle choices to manage diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol. Healthy recipes and daily exercise routines are also just a click away and can be targeted to specific health conditions. To be safe, health and lifestyle modifications should always be initiated with the advice and supervision of a medical professional, but the internet is a great way to start the conversation.
Research
The amount of information at your fingertips is astounding (and at times overwhelming). Internet research isn’t limited to staying healthy. Seniors find that the answers to many questions are only a few clicks away. Are you trying to figure out a chemical-free option for keeping bugs from destroying your garden? Google it! Commonly searched topics include the weather, news, restaurants, and travel. While these terms are not specific to seniors, all generations can benefit from the search results.
Entertainment
Online gaming isn’t restricted to youngsters playing Candy Crush. Studies have shown that word games have the potential to prevent or delay the onset of dementia. The great news is that seniors are no longer limited to the crossword puzzles in the newspapers. There are many word games available on the internet for free with varying levels of complexity. Options vary from crosswords to sudoku or even card games or chess.
Nostalgia experienced by listening to music can be a big benefit to seniors. YouTube offers an extensive collection of songs and music videos. Listening to music can reduce anxiety and cortisol (stress hormone) levels. It has also been shown to reduce pain, improve memory, and improve sleep. Plus, who doesn’t love a good song from back in the day? (Regardless of when “your day” was.)
The internet is a great place to turn when looking for something to read as well. Seniors with mobility restrictions have the option of downloading ebooks or even audiobooks. For those who prefer paper books, online bookstores offer large print formats of most books and the books can be ordered online. The internet can even be a great starting point for people who enjoy checking out books from their local library or purchasing them from a bookstore. There are reading lists and blogs that can help you select a story to match any mood.
Shopping
Shopping is even easier when the internet is involved. Those on fixed incomes can now compare prices online before making big purchases, often finding significant savings. Grocery stores also give customers the opportunity to load coupons to their loyalty cards. Extra-savvy shoppers can even download smart phone apps, like Ibotta, to receive cash back for tracking their grocery purchases.
For those with mobility issues, the internet can save much time and hassle. There are many grocery and meal delivery options available now. Seniors can have almost anything delivered right to their doorsteps. They may choose to have bulky items, like paper towels and toilet paper, delivered to limit shopping to just the smaller, easier to carry items. Some may choose to do the bulk of their grocery shopping online and supplement with fresh items from the grocery store. There are even options available to have prepped, refrigerated meal ingredients with recipes delivered right to your home.
While there may be some disadvantages to aging in a dot-com era, there are irrefutable benefits to our senior populations. The convenience added to shopping and research, the connectivity of cell phones, email, and social media, and the safety provided can really improve the quality of life for those with obstacles getting out of the house or with family spread far and wide. The greatest generation may no longer be limited to those born before 1924, the adaptability of today’s seniors is great as well.