SENIORS APPETITE FOR TECHNOLOGY
The age of technology has finally arrived for the twilight generation. More and more adults over the age of 60 are adopting a greater awareness of technology. The Office For National Statistics reported senior internet use nearly doubled in 2020. So, what’s behind this new desire for Smart Phones, iPads and Smart home technology? The recent pandemic may have some bearing on why so many older people turned to Skype, Face Time and Zoom as a means to keep in contact with loved ones.
Bridging The Gap
Understanding computers and how they work can be overwhelming and intimidating for those of a generation where television was considered an advance in technology. Despite feelings of apprehension, seniors are becoming more responsive to technology and the digital world. Family and friends do their best to help their elderly learners navigate around the multitude of websites and social media Apps, which can often lead to frustration on both sides.
The senior beginner may need time to figure out the complex functions of a Smartphone or iPad, patience and understanding is key.
Handy Tips
: Keep it simple whilst explaining the benefits of using new technology.
: Build on existing knowledge, whilst introducing easy uncomplicated instructions.
: Allow time to digest information without overload.
: Provide a starting point for the beginner to build on.
: Put yourself in their shoes, think of a time when you found something difficult.
: Think about the words you use, too much jargon will confuse.
: Allow time for self-discovery.
: Remember! “SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE”
The Benefits Of Social Media
Isolation and loneliness often accompany the aging process, socializing is therefore critical to the mental health of older adults. The recent pandemic and subsequent lockdown saw many seniors separated from their normal supportive network. Social Media proved an invaluable tool, providing a means to contact loved ones. Websites advertising social events for the elderly provide a much-needed connection to the outside world.
: Senior Centre Websites provide information on activities in local areas, offering a variety of pursuits such as exercise classes, educational programs, computer classes and workshops for learning new skills such as arts and crafts. Most of the centres are either free or request a small fee,
: Staying Socially Active
Joining senior clubs is a great way for older adults to meet other people with similar interests. The list of clubs is endless from gardening, knitting, reading to the more active pursuits of walking, golf, tennis and bowling.
: Exercise such as swimming, dance, yoga and tai chi are low impact workouts which are excellent ways to improve strength, flexibility and balance thus preventing falls. The World Health Organization stipulates an elderly person should partake 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week.
: Organising games nights with friends and family is a fantastic way to keep in contact with people. During the recent pandemic and subsequent lockdown many entertaining nights of bingo and quizzes took place on Zoom.
: Starting a band or joining a choir provides older adults the opportunity to either learn a new skill or revisit an old one. Zoom provided an ideal platform for established bands and artist to perform livestreams and virtual concerts throughout lockdown. Gary Barlow from ‘Take That’ found a way to keep music alive by using this platform to introduce his supergroup made up of artists such as Mica Paris, Jamie Cullum to name but a few.
A study performed by the Pew Institute in Washington DC, which monitors demographic trends, found the main sites used by older adults were Facebook and YouTube.
The Journals of Gerontology: Series B Discovered adults over the age of 80 who used social media had a healthier mental well-being compared to their peers who did not reach out through technology.
An overview of the various platforms used by adults between the ages of 50 and 65 plus.
The importance of this data is to highlight the choice of social media made by different age groups. When choosing a social media site, you will inevitably choose a platform widely used by family and friends. Equally various apps will attract specific age groups. A study published by the Statista Research Department in January 2021 found the highest percentage of tic tock users was between the ages of 15 to 25 years compared to 2% of adults aged 56 plus.
Whatever your thoughts regarding this new trend of senior techno’s and bloggers, one thing is evident, Age has no barriers. Social media has enabled society to come together. In an uncertain world of closed boarders and lockdowns, technology has provided a much-needed lifeline.
Where The Article Could Be Published
This Article/Blog could be published in magazines such as Saga-magazine, Woman’s Weekly, Readers Digest, Life magazine/Age Concern, Dignity Magazine for over 50s. People Magazine and Good Old Days magazine.
Cite:
Technology use among seniors | Pew Research Center
Statistics on Age and Technology — Seniors and Elderly People (eldertech.org)
The Benefits of Social Media Use for Seniors (leisurecare.com)
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Social Media for Older Adults | Senior Tech Club
Ultimate Guide to Teach Tech to Seniors in 2021 — Easy Tech Seniors
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