Note: This guest post has been submitted by Sarah Allen with NucleusLife.
Studies have shown increasing or maintaining socialization with friends and family can have profound effects on seniors’ health and longevity. In 2012, UnitedHealthcare performed a study of 100 centenarians (100@100) and found that staying socially engaged is just as important to healthy aging as genetics or other healthy living habits.
However, if in-person meetings are difficult for some loved ones, technology offers a few truly viable solutions. Here are a few ways caregivers can stay in touch with tech.
Maintain Social Connections with Video Chat and Social Media
Social media is a great way to keep seniors connected. Being able to share thoughts or comments on platforms like Facebook or Twitter is a growing trend within the senior community—and one that should be encouraged!
Take advantage of hardware solutions as well: If possible, try to set up a Nucleus smart home intercom system. It’s an easy, senior-friendly device which enables video chat with anyone in the family who has a device of their own, or the app! By pressing just one button, older adults can instantly get in touch with grandkids or even call for help in an emergency situation.
Use Video Games to Keep Mind and Body Active
Video games are no longer for children only. Studies continue to show the health benefits of playing video games at any age, and there are plenty of benefits for seniors especially.
In fact, playing video games from time to time can actually improve vision. A study by Ontario Canada’s McMaster University showed senior patients with cataracts reported an improvement in vision after playing first-person shooter games like Halo or Call of Duty. The rapid eye movement and focus of attention helped strengthen the eye and resulted in better vision.
Adding games to a daily or weekly routine is a great way for caregivers to promote overall health.
Utilize Apps for Medication Tracking
Ensuring seniors can live as independently as possible is a key aspect of caregiving. Their ability to track and take medications correctly is a huge part of maintaining independence. Caregivers should research and download the best apps they can find to help seniors accomplish this task.
Finding the right app when there are so many available can be an overwhelming task. Fortunately, The University of Sydney tackled this challenge, studying 272 different medication tracking apps and ranking them based on functionality and ease of use. The apps that scored highest were: Medisafe Pill Reminder & Medication Tracker (free), Alar Meds (Android only), My Heart My Life, and MedicineList+.
Have you started using technology as a tool for caregiving? What technologies would you recommend? Let us know!
Such a great article. There are so many good uses for technology it should definitely be embraced more by caregivers. This platform is a fantastic tool for care staff – http://www.storiicare.com
Hello, Tiago
This is a great blog and Thank you for writing on such an important topic. Seeing that there are so many senior citizens in our country, I would suspect that there are a great number of readers who will benefit from receiving these websites and information and cope with aging.
Keep posting such more.
I’ll also plug my own product: WalkSmart (at WalkSmart.io), which helps encourage walking activity and safe walking aide use! Walking is almost always helpful for health, but so many people only do it when necessary. I think gamification could be huge in this space.
Thank you all for your comments, compliments, and additional tech resources for caregivers!
I work with seniors and elders in my position as a custom wheelchair specialist for a home medical company. Interestingly, I have frequent conversations with them about using computers and technology. I am surprised by the number of them who use laptop computers and smartphones. Most say they use them to keep in touch with family members who now live far away. When considering senior tech, take into account the physical abilities of the elder. For example, people with inflamed arthritic joints may need a different mouse or voice controls for a cell phone.
Thanks for your comment, Scott! And thanks for the reminder about finding the right tech fit for an older adult’s physical abilities. Great examples!
Such an informative post. Research shows that technology plays a vital role in senior care. We can also use technology such personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), Medication Reminders, Wireless Home Monitoring and Health Tracking Tools.This tools also help in care giving
Thanks for the comment, Paul! Yes, absolutely. Technology, when used well, certainly has a place in caregiving.
Very informatic post, really it gives a lot information
Thanks for the compliment!
It’s a great read. Technology has truly advanced when it comes to medical devices. Video chatting is one of the favorite apps for seniors who want to stay connected with their long-distance relatives. Thanks for sharing the blog.
Thanks for the comment/compliment, Monica. Video chatting is a fantastic app for anyone wanting to stay connected to relatives that don’t live locally. You’re welcome!
Thanks for sharing the practical insights on technologies and Elder Care!
my2cents from another part of the world: http://www.mohanbabuk.com/2017/12/musing-on-caregiving-for-elders-and.html
This is great! At Vidal Home Care, we leverage technology to deliver home care that is accessible and transparent for family members. Family members can now stay in touch with their loved one’s caregiver before, during and after each Visit, see when the caregiver arrives and leaves your home, and manage the care schedule, right on their mobile phone. Visit http://www.vidalhomecare.com for more details.