Technology has come a long way over the last 20 years with the internet playing a huge role in innovation. For most of us, technology is a part of our daily lives. However, for the elderly, even the smallest technological advances can change their lives forever.
Lifeline alarms for example whether they be pendant alarms or any other type of fall detection devices may not seem like a big deal to most of us, but to the elderly, these devices could be life-saving.
The Internet
Most of us have grown up with the internet and ordering something online and having it delivered the next day is normal to us. For the elderly, this is a huge life-changing experience, especially for those with morbidity issues.
Getting around and doing something as simple as shopping can be a tough task for the elderly but with the invention of the internet an elderly person can order:
- Their food online.
- Medication online.
- Book doctors appointments.
- Book taxis
- Video chat with friends and family.
- View bills online.
- Play online games with their friends.
As you can see the internet can play a huge role in the elderly population’s lives not only providing convenience but also minimising loneliness that older people often have.
Mobile phones
While teenagers are synonymous with mobile phone usage, over 55% of people over the age of 65 have a mobile phone according to Taking Care. Having a mobile phone not only offers convenience but it also could be life-saving as the elderly population are far more likely to trip and fall which could be fatal. Having a mobile phone on hand in the event of this could make the difference between life and death.
It’s not all doom and gloom though. Mobile phones are devices that can minimise loneliness once again through the usage of apps such as Whatsapp, Facebook messenger and so much more.
You can also download apps on mobile phones to simply pass the time. If your nan or grandad loves a certain game such as bingo or Texas Holdem then there are plenty of apps that they can download to play, just be sure to explain to them about in-app purchases otherwise they could run up a big phone bill.
Mobile phones can also be used to locate a person if they become lost. For example, an elderly person suffering from dementia could become lost and not know where they are. Apps like What 3 Words can help locate a loved one very easily.
Robotic pets
This may sound like something out of a science fiction movie but as we get older we can get lonely especially as our family and friends move away or pass away. Loneliness is something that a lot of elderly people suffer from so toy company Hasbro came up with their Joy for all robotic pet range that people of all ages can use to stop them from being lonely.
It’s said that the robotic pets not only help with loneliness but can also stop cognitive decline as we get older. Since the invention of these robotic pets, the team responsible for them has left Hasbro and have founded their own company called Ageless innovation.
Conclusion
As you can see the technology innovations above can help an elderly person in their everyday lives but it can also prolong their lives while giving them a better quality of life. We think of technology sometimes as a way of entertainment and often forget how useful it can be for people less fortunate than ourselves.