One afternoon, I found a client, an 80-year-old woman who had recently moved into assisted living, struggling unsuccessfully with her AI assistant. Though a password reset and software update were all that were needed, it took an hour of troubleshooting to identify the issue. As I navigated through the maze of searching for the manufacturer’s number ”“ enduring the hold music, conversing with customer service and handling the updates ”“ I wondered how she would have been able to handle all this on her own and was curious if the result would be worth the effort.
Modern technology offers incredible advantages, from assistance and increased cognitive engagement to safety enhancement. The National Institutes of Health reports that 61% of those 65 and over own smartphones, 90% have laptops or computers and 67% are online. Though percentages are lower than those for younger demographics, technology has clearly become an integral part of seniors”™ lives.
How can we minimize frustrations of tech mishaps or knowledge gaps and harness technology’s power to make the aging process smoother and safer? Liz Hamburg, founder and CEO at Candoo Tech, provides a compass for navigating the vast landscape of tech.
“When you think about ”¦accessing food, transportation and health care and decreasing social isolation, technology can be the gateway,” she said. Her company offers remote nationwide technology support and training for older adults, enhancing their comfort with phones, computers, tablets and more. Her team collaborates with senior living communities, health plans, health-care providers, social service agencies and individual consumers.
To simplify caregiving and bolster safety by using digital tools in the most respectful and effective manner, it is crucial to grasp the distinction between passive and active technology. Passive works automatically; active needs action.
“Passive technology can raise concerns among older adults who might feel monitored by their children, impacting their privacy,” Hamburg added. “They may resist devices tracking their daily activities, like trips to the fridge or bathroom. There are, however, situations when cognitive or physical decline might necessitate such usage.”
Active technology that offers medication reminders, tutorials for social activities like learning bridge or programs for ordering groceries can be appealing.
“The key is to offer tech that genuinely improves their lives, rather than simply introducing new devices,” she said. “Know the right questions to ask.
“If you inquire about ”¦interests and activities, you can uncover what would truly enhance their lives. Exploring what they miss due to limited mobility or changed circumstances can guide you towards suitable technological solutions.”
On a recent tour of “The Apartment,” a modern studio space built in the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America ”˜s(AFA) Manhattan headquarters, I talked with AFA Education Program Manager Leah Daly. She demonstrated how smart design and technology can increase quality of life and provide safety and protection for individuals with dementia. Simplicity, assistance and safety are key. Technology can help seniors maintain their independence by providing help with daily tasks and reducing potential risks.
“Assistive technology allows seniors to age in place and feel more confident about their safety,” Daly said.
She offered practical tech tips for all seniors to stay connected, engaged and safe in their daily lives:
- Smart home devices ”“ Smart door locks, speakers and voice assistants can assist older adults in various tasks and provide companionship. Smart refrigerators, stovetop covers and stovetop fire suppressant canisters also improve safety.
- Video communication tools — These platforms facilitate staying connected with family, friends and health-care professionals, reducing feelings of isolation.
- Safety and monitoring systems ”“ Fall detection sensors and emergency response systems enhance the safety of seniors living independently.
- Online learning platforms ”“Tutorials offer opportunities for seniors to acquire new skills, pursue hobbies and stay mentally active.
User-friendly technology can be customized to suit each senior’s preferences and needs.
“Tailored, easy-to-use interfaces are key for making seniors comfortable with technology,” Daly said.
Understanding individual preferences and using personalized tools are important ways to ensure convenient tech innovations are adopted. Keep these tips in mind:
Create familiar environments — This is crucial for reducing anxiety and confusion in seniors, particularly those with dementia. Use familiar objects, colors and décor to create spaces that evoke beneficial memories.
Make respectful use of assistive technology — Digital assistants for reminders and companionship and adaptive devices, weighted utensils and remote controls designed for simplicity enhance seniors’ quality of life and independence.
Personalize care — Understanding an individual’s preferences, routines and interests and making the best use of personalized orientation tools like large clocks and calendars can enhance a sense of identity and reduce confusion.
Connect on the right plane ”“ Active and passive technology tools can both be helpful when used in the right place at the right time. Telehealth services enable remote consultations with health-care professionals, while wearable health devices like Smartwatches monitor vital signs and activity levels, promoting well-being.
In a world shaped by innovation, seniors can confidently navigate technology and enjoy its benefits, while preserving their dignity and independence.
Complimentary tours of the AFA Apartment are available, and the helpline”™s social workers can provide suggestions for dementia care at home and other aspects of living. For more, call 866-232-8484.
Abbe Udochi, geriatric care manager and CEO of Concierge Healthcare Consulting in New Rochelle, is the WestFair Business Journal”™s eldercare columnist. For more, visit concierge-care.com.
