Technology breakthroughs have revolutionised many parts of our life, opening up new possibilities and opportunities. Older adults are one of several categories who can benefit considerably from technology improvements.
As the world's ageing population grows, it becomes increasingly important to investigate how technology might improve the lives of the elderly.
In this part, we will look at shifting demographics and the emergence of an ageing population, as well as the issues that older people confront and the potential answers that technology may provide.
A. Changing Demographics and the Rise of an Aging Population:
In recent years, nations throughout the world have seen a significant demographic transition, characterised by a continuous growth in the ageing population. Factors such as increased healthcare, better living circumstances, and lower birth rates can all be related to this trend.
According to the UN, the number of individuals aged 60 and more is expected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050, more than double the amount in 2019. This enormous increase in the elderly population emphasises the need of addressing their unique demands and difficulties.
B. Challenges Faced by Older People and the Potential Solutions Technology Can Offer:
1. Health and Well-being:
As individuals age, they often face various health challenges, including chronic conditions, mobility limitations, and cognitive decline.
Technology can play a vital role in addressing these challenges through remote patient monitoring, telemedicine, wearable devices, and health-tracking applications.
These technologies enable older individuals to manage their health conditions from the comfort of their homes, receive timely medical assistance, and improve their overall well-being.
2. Social Isolation and Loneliness:
Older people are susceptible to social isolation and loneliness, leading to adverse effects on their mental and physical health.
Technology offers solutions to combat these issues by facilitating social connections. Social media platforms, video calling applications, and online communities enable older individuals to stay connected with their loved ones, participate in virtual social activities, and build new relationships.
These digital connections can alleviate feelings of isolation and improve overall social well-being.
3. Safety and Independent Living:
Aging often brings concerns about safety and independent living. Technology provides solutions through various assistive devices and smart home technologies.
For instance, wearable devices equipped with fall detection sensors can alert emergency services in the event of a fall.
Smart home automation systems can assist with tasks such as controlling lighting, temperature, and security, promoting a safe and comfortable living environment for older individuals.
C. Benefits of Technology-Enabled Lives for Older Individuals:
Technology bridges the communication gap for older people, allowing them to stay connected with their relatives, friends, and carers. Real-time communication is enabled via video conversations, messaging applications, and social media platforms, which reduces feelings of loneliness and improves general mental well-being.
1. Access to Information and Services:
The internet gives older people access to a wealth of information and resources. They have access to news, entertainment, instructional information, and online purchasing, allowing them to remain involved, educated, and self-sufficient.
2. Cognitive Function Enhancement:
Technology provides cognitive stimulation through brain-training applications, puzzles, and memory games. These apps can assist elderly people maintain mental sharpness, boost memory, and improve cognitive ability.
3. Remote Monitoring and Care:
As technology advances, carers and healthcare professionals may remotely monitor patients' vital signs, medication adherence, and overall well-being. This remote monitoring reduces the need for frequent hospital visits while also ensuring early intervention when needed.
4. Independence and Quality of Life:
Technology provides tools and equipment that enhance independence, allowing older people to carry out everyday activities with ease. From voice-activated assistants to assistive mobility equipment, these technologies improve older people's autonomy, confidence, and general quality of life.
Take-aways:
As the world's population continues to age, the importance of technology for older people becomes increasingly evident.
The changing demographics and challenges faced by older individuals necessitate innovative solutions to improve their lives.
By leveraging technology, we can address health concerns, combat social isolation, enhance safety, and promote independent living for older people.
Embracing technology-enabled lives for seniors brings forth a future where older individuals can lead fulfilling, connected, and empowered lives.
My SOS Family technology enabled services;
My SOS Family technology is designed specifically for the older population, it's easy to set-up and super easy (intuitive) to use.
The My SOS Family Alexa Skill it just like asking Alexa to play a radio station or asking Alexa what the weather is or if it's going to rain, users simply say "My SOS Family" and then alerts can be instantly sent to emergency contacts.
The My SOS Family iPhone App , like Alexa is voice enabled where users can even on the lock screen say "Siri send a message using My SOS Family" or when the iPhone or iPad is unlocked, simply ask Siri to open the My SOS Family App.
For users who have access to the phone, they can swipe right and get access to the My SOS Family Widget , which is a button to get help.
Alternatively, the easiest way to send alerts is tojust open the App and press the BIG RED BUTTON.
The My SOS Family Android App , again like Alexa can be opened using Google Voice assistant, and set to send alerts when opened, it also has the ability to send alerts from the Lock Screen by simply long pressing the Power Button.
Other App features apart from Voice which supports Blind people , are features which support deaf people who can sign like BSL999 and urgence114 to access emergency service like Ambulance , Fire and Police.
For UK residents it accesses a British Sign interpreter and for users in France to access a French Sign Interpreter.
Other care enabled features include Group Video Conferencing in an emergency, SOS Timer for when you are worried you won't check-in, Location sharing for the times you want someone to see you get somewhere safe (like the UBER share my ride feature).
For users who want to continue to use a simple phone like a cordless or corded home phone or a simply cell phone , My SOS Family Speed-Dial allows those to have access to an amazing first responder automated alerting and monitoring emergency system.