Seniors and Technology III – Healthy Aging for Embracing Technology

 

I am constantly surprised by technology. Just when I think it’s impossible to improve something, someone comes up with a better mousetrap. I probably need to stop being surprised and simply wait for mousetrap 2.0 to hit the market.  It’s safe to say adult children have a much better grasp of technology than their parents. Healthy aging could mean a thousand and one things. So far, my series on seniors and technology has looked at benefits that are inherent and several tools, both low-tech and high-tech, that can help seniors stay independent. Today, I’m using it to look at the steps seniors and their adult children go through when using technology to help elderly parents remain independent. Growing up with computers as a tool at home and work helps not only with understanding but also with correct usage.

Helping Seniors Embrace Technology and Change

Embracing change is important for seniors, helping seniors embrace technology is one of the things we do best. Here are 7 steps that I believe adult children and seniors journey through before the senior embraces the technology, gains more independence and has less stress.

1.Recognition – The first step in any journey is always the first. Recognizing that memory, balance, or arthritis has become more challenging may be the first step toward finding a tool that will help a senior retain their independence.

2. Admit – Going hand-in-with recognizing the problem is admitting that things are not what they once were and help is needed.

3. Acceptance – Accepting your issue is a big step to looking for a solution.

4. Research – The issue has been identified, you’ve admitted the problem and accepted that corrective measures are necessary. Now it’s time to research what tool is best. Your search may begin with your physician, going online, or visiting with friends experiencing the same challenge.

5. Adapt – Your research has led you to the best tool that will help you remain independent. Now all you need is to procure it and begin using it.

6. Adopt – Now that you’ve received your new tool, it has to be used. Continually. Otherwise, the issue could become worse. Most authorities agree that it takes 30 days for a new habit to become routine or second nature. Continual usage is the only way to retain independence.

7. Move Forward – Your new technology is now a part of you and is perhaps indispensable to staying independent. Embrace it and enjoy life.

Some seniors have no problem admitting they have issues with one of a seemingly infinite number of challenges. I’m my own worst enemy. I don’t necessarily lie to myself, but I invariably overstate my abilities and afterward find that I should never have attempted a particular action or taken on a household project. The same holds for seniors. Time may be a great equalizer, but technology is a great adjuster. Somewhere on the journey, we all have to adjust. Adult children can help their parents adapt to the best technology available, helping their elderly parents move forward and remain independent. Showing them that technology is not the enemy and technology can be easy to use by embracing it.

Electronics For Older Adults to Help Seniors With Technology

Technology for seniors is made easy when you have electronics for older adults and seniors embracing technology.  Not only is a measure of independence gained by the senior, but the adult children have peace of mind that mom or dad have more control (and options) than before.

 

Technology For Elderly Living Alone

Technology is already helping elderly living adults and seniors stay independent. Technology saves time and headaches allowing adults taking care of the seniors to remotely do so when needed safely. Let’s say you have a smartphone for your senior parent. Chances are they can face time or video chat with you throughout the day or evening to check in and let you know how they are doing. Unlike a phone call, they can see you and you can see them. Seniors may also love the perks of having an Alexa or Google Home device nearby to ask for information, and the amount of service delivery apps available now can help seniors stay more independent than ever.

Seniors Benefiting From Technology & Innovation

Rallying behind current and emerging technologies, seniors and the adults that take care of them are loving what apps like Uber and Lyft are doing to transport seniors to their doctor appointments and elsewhere. With your access to Time4Seniors.com, you, along with your mom, dad, aunt, or uncle, or other loved ones can get the information you’re looking for and u need here as we help seniors embracing technology to make the transition an easy one to make.

If you or your elderly parent have successfully adopted a tool that helps you remain independent, I invite you to share below how it has helped. Who knows, you might help someone on the other side of the planet embrace new technologies. Thank you for sharing.