Rise of Technology: Are Older Adults Ready?
Designed by Magnific
Technology has transformed older adult care through the innovation of robotic caregivers, smart monitoring devices, automated tools, telehealth, and AI diagnostic tools. On an individual level, older adults today are using phones, tablets, and wearables in their everyday lives. Similar to the youngsters, they use the internet for Facebook, video chat, Netflix, online shopping, digital gaming, music streaming, and more. Despite the technological advancements over the years, older adults are still at a loss about the way they are structured.
Peak of technology use during COVID-19
Use of technology was at its height during the COVID-19 pandemic. People were required to practice physical distancing and stay in quarantine. The easiest way to communicate with your loved ones is probably through the internet. In 2020, older adults were recorded to have higher levels of technology use for their everyday activities, such as entertainment, socializing, and shopping.
In a study by Murciano-Hueso, Martín-García, and Cardoso, they discussed three main findings on the connection between technology and the lives of older adults during COVID-19. First, older adults were already using smartphones as their top screen even before the pandemic, although it was only occasionally. Their main purpose was to communicate with their children and grandchildren using WhatsApp. Second, the use of technology has evolved due to lockdowns during the pandemic, establishing the emotional connection between an older adult and technology in improving the quality of life. Third, barrier still exists related to education, economic level, user experience, and usability problems with technology.
Recent studies have clearly shown that technology is becoming intertwined with the everyday life of an older adult.
Challenges faced by older adults with technology
Older adults themselves recognize the benefits of technology in terms ofconvenience and fostering social relationships. Technology could also increase social support, in the form of emotional and instrumental, by keeping them engaged with life.
While most older adults own smartphones, they continue to face the challenge of learning curves, unfamiliarity, and privacy and security concerns. Technology is designed with tiny buttons that are hard to tap, confusing layouts, constant updates, and small texts that are hard to see. In short, it is not a user problem because the technology itself is not designed for them.
Scott Lien, a tech expert, explained in the official podcast of Mayo Clinic on how technology failed to account for the physical and cognitive characteristics of older adults. “We’re forcing someone who’s 90, and maybe has eyesight issues, and maybe has cognitive issues, and maybe has dexterity issues. We’re forcing them to use a product, a smartphone, that was designed by a 30-year-old for a 30-year-old,” said Lien.
Moreover, the privacy and security concerns of older adults are put to the test by the increasing prevalence of scams. Dr. Christina Chen, host of the podcast, shared her own tips for preventing scams, “I have three rules for my parents. Whenever you see something pop up on your computer that tells you to call a number, ignore it. And if someone calls you on the phone who’s not on your list of favorites, don’t pick up. And if there’s anything that you don’t understand from an email, let me know.”
In a research study, it was found that employed older adults had a more positive attitude and higher online self-efficacy toward new technology. However, retired older adults revealed the opposite and were more negative toward technology.
Technology undeniably brings people together from one end of the world to the other. However, technology can also negatively impact older adults when not used correctly. Screen time and social media were shown to increase the feeling of depression and loneliness in some seniors. This was mainly attributed to the easier digital interaction online, which has replaced face-to-face contact.
This brings us the question of, “How do we make technology work for older adults then?”
Personalized coaching and check-ins, paired with patience, can help older adults be comfortable with technology. This could include introducing the technology slowly, automating tasks, and addressing privacy and security concerns openly and honestly. It is also important to respect the decision of an older adult if they prefer traditional care methods without the intervention of technology.
Gone is the time when technology catered exclusively to the young. It has crossed through generations, with individuals aged over 60 having their own social media accounts. There is a need to create more inclusive technology that considers the capacities of older adults for them to fully integrate into the technological world we have today.
To learn more about supporting an older adult, read from Ca Care Association here.
