Seniors Staying Connected

The good news is that because of technology, seniors have many ways to connect with people. The bad news is that many seniors do not feel at home with technology.

Only 26% of people over the age of 65 who use the internet feel comfortable using computers, smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices. Most (75%) seniors feel that when they get a new device, they need someone to set it up and show them how to use it.

When they do learn the technology, seniors use it a lot. Seniors are the fastest growing age group using Facebook. Seniors want to socialize and to stay in touch with family and find old friends. Scientists have found that 91% of people over the age of 50 who use social media use it to keep in touch with family and friends.

Video chatting is a great way for seniors to talk to friends and family. Skype is free and can be put on any computer, smartphone or tablet. Facetime is another tool that allows face to face chatting. It is much more personal than a phone call. It also lets you see your senior loved one. Doctors use these tools to look in on patients.

Email is another way for seniors to get in touch with friends and family. If the senior is not comfortable with technology, they can get help. Services like Presto and Celery allow them to send and receive emails without ever touching a computer.

Helping seniors to get comfortable with technology can keep them from being lonely and help them to stay in their homes. It will improve the quality of their lives.

They can get help learning technology:

• AARP has webinars that teach about social media, using a tablet or smartphone, and other topics.

• SeniorNet has online computer classes. They also have 36 learning centers in the United States.

• Oasis Connections teaches computer, internet and mobile technology classes in 30 cities. Most of these classes are free.

• Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) teaches technology to seniors. The classes are free. They are only in three states: Colorado, Maryland and New York at this time.

• Lifelong Learning Institutes: These work with colleges and universities. Contact your nearest college or university to learn more.

Your local library or senior center may also have classes. Technology can help them to communicate with doctors, get health information, and find old friends. It can help them a lot.

Source Pew Research Center

Written by: Paul Varnas, DC, DACBN (Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Nutrition).He has written and published numerous articles on the topics of exercise, wellness and nutrition for seniors.