Older adults have long been considered a “high-risk” group in the United States, and their participation in society has been limited. This idea is based on the idea that the deterioration of their physiological abilities of mobility, as well as sight and hearing, do not allow them to be “productive.” Other factors such as the digital divide also contribute to society’s sidelining of them from advancement.
However, new technologies are designed to make life easier for all people, including older adults. Empowering and opening up channels of interaction and communication—as is the purpose of the internet—opens up a universe of media options for training, leisure, and solutions to physical and medical needs, all of which the aging population can be a part of.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of technological devices has increased significantly. In the case of older adults, the pandemic helped to break the technological barrier that directly affected them. These circumstances helped them to incorporate technology into their daily activities and to recognize that it was a useful tool that allowed them to stay in touch with their family and friends.
What do older adults use and consume?
Different studies highlight that older adults prefer smartphones to computers, and use them more for chatting and viewing social media. Older adults rely on devices for information or to do paperwork. They also use devices and the internet to consume videos on demand, stream music, and virtually attend live concerts.
Furthermore, technology can be used to improve the health of older adults. Many recognize that it has benefited them in monitoring diseases such as diabetes and heart disease or simply keeping track of their health and staying in shape. These actions improve the quality of life of older adults, and it is thanks to technology and the acceptance of it.
Achieving this integration among older adults is quite an achievement, so it is necessary to continue to expand efforts to bring the benefits of technology to their daily lives. Likewise, technology and social media provides older adults with tools to combat loneliness and isolation. Cyberspace increases the possibility of interacting with others and enhances their personal and social autonomy.
Other benefits technology is having upon the older adult community are:
● Strengthening their independence. The internet helps older adults maintain their independence, as they can find answers and solutions to any doubt or problem they may have.
● They become more active. The use of new technologies among older adults makes them exercise their minds while learning. This has a positive impact on their mood and physical condition.
● They feel fulfilled and overcome prejudices. When an older person is able to do something when they thought they would never be able to, it boosts their self-esteem, overcomes their prejudices and inspires others to follow in their footsteps.
If we take into account the rights of all citizens without exception to information and communication, we can reaffirm the need to facilitate access to technologies for older adults. This situation invites us to reflect on the idea that “the full access of the information society and new technologies for older adults should be aimed at encouraging their social integration and improving their quality of life, as one of the definitive ways to break down the barriers they face on a daily basis,” as stated by the Department for Older Adults of the District Secretariat for Social Integration in Bogota, Colombia.
References:
https://www.uc.cl/academia-en-los-medios/adultos-mayores-aumentaron-el-uso-de-tecnologia/
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