Using Technology to Stay Independent and Connected in Older Age

Introduction

As we age it can become increasingly difficult to maintain our independence and remain connected to our friends and loved ones. Technology provides a wide range of solutions to help people stay connected and keep their independence whilst living alone.

Using technology in your daily life also comes with added benefits, such as the mental stimulation it provides through learning a new technology or an app, better physical health as it offers the tools and resources to keep fit even when you are stuck at home. It also provides us with safety in the form of medical alert devices, even our mobile phones offer a vital emergency response.

Let's take a look at the other ways in which technology helps our well being:

Fitness

Fitness trackers are widely available to purchase; they monitor your activity during the day by counting your daily steps, measuring your heart rate and also calculating your calories burned each day so you can keep track of your progress. You can even get wearable trackers that you wear around your wrist which monitor your sleeping pattern. They can also help boost your motivation to be more physically active, you can set up groups with friends and family to do challenges and get competitive with reaching different milestones.

Video Calling

Skype, zoom, facetime and video calling allows you to speak to and see your friends and loved ones no matter where in the world they are. This can be essential for those who are unable to travel or have mobility issues.

Voice-Controlled Assistants

Alexa or Google home devices can be helpful for older people due to their vast number of abilities. You are able to set reminders, play music and tune into the radio, request updates on the weather and get answers to a number of questions all with a simple voice command.

Home Automation Systems

This helpful bit of technology means that you can control your homes’ lighting and temperature from your phone, tablet or even your voice-controlled devices. All of which are helpful for those who live in large homes or have mobility problems.

Entertainment

In the Winter you may find yourself spending more time at home, which is where the next bit of tech comes in. Online streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus provide hours of entertainment at the press of a button. Giving you access to a wide range of movies, series and documentaries. If you are more of a reader than watcher you can subscribe to websites like Readly which is an online magazines subscription where you can access the magazines all online. 

Games

Games have no age limit! Via the internet or downloaded apps you can play strategy games like chess online and even connect with friends and family. Memory and tap and find games will keep your mind mentally stimulated whilst also helping to relieve stress.

Shopping

Most major supermarkets now have online sites or apps where you can order your weekly shop from the comfort of your own home, directly to your front door, so no need to lug around heavy bags. This means you don’t even need to leave the house on the coldest of days, simply book a delivery slot that suits you. You can order clothes online instead of venturing into town, just be aware if you do need to return items you may need to go into a store for a free return, some stores offer a courier collection but some stores may deduct a fee from your refund amount. Make sure to read the returns process first.

Bills

You can organise your bills and bank accounts online. Opening an online account for your bank will save you a trip into the town centre for simple tasks. You can also organise your gas, electric and most other bills online and make sure no payments are missed or late.

Overall, these tools, apps and devices can provide older people with access to support and resources they need to prevent loneliness and to help ensure their continued independence and well-being.