5 benefits for older adults of using technology

Even if your loved ones live too far away for you to see them in person regularly, technology can help you stay connected between in-person visits. A 2022 AARP study found that connecting with others was the number one reason older adults want to use tech more. You can use messaging apps for convenient day-to-day updates, and video calls let you catch up while seeing your loved ones’ faces and hearing their voices. Even if you can’t manage regular plane trips or long drives, technology helps you maintain those relationships.

Regular doctor visits only get more important with age. But the logistics of getting to an appointment can be challenging. Luckily, technology has provided easier options.

Many doctors now offer telehealth. For visits that don’t require an in-person component, you can talk to your doctor over video without having to leave your house. If you’re not sure about virtual healthcare, it may help you to know that many people who have tried it like it. In a JLL survey, 71% of participants said they prefer telehealth. And many medical offices have secure online portals you can use for convenient communication between appointments.

For visits that do require an in-person component, Uber Health can help you get there. Rides can be scheduled, helping patients get to their appointments without worrying about driving or taking public transportation. Health benefits cards can even be applied in some cases to cover eligible ride costs, making the process even more convenient.

Smart technology isn’t all futuristic gadgets for techie types. A lot of smart devices are designed to help increase safety for older adults and people with disabilities. The right technology products can potentially help you keep your independence longer by aging in place. Some examples include:

• Smart home devices: Home security cameras can make you safer and give your loved ones a way to check in on you remotely. Smart lights paired with smart speakers let you turn on lights with your voice, helping you avoid potential falls while trying to reach the light switch in the dark. And smart plugs allow you to set a timer to turn certain items on and off automatically, so you don’t risk leaving something dangerous like a space heater on unattended.
• Fall detection technology: If you live alone, the prospect of a fall can be scary. Many wearables can now sense when someone has fallen and alert authorities and loved ones automatically so you get help fast.
• Fitness trackers: Wearable fitness trackers aren’t just for tracking steps and activity; they can also help you monitor important health indicators like heart rate, sleep quality, and, in some cases, blood pressure.
• Health and wellness apps: Many smartphone apps can help you develop and stick to healthy practices. Consider trying apps that provide guided meditations, home exercise videos, recipes, and medication reminders.
• Rideshare platforms: If you can no longer drive (or no longer want to), that doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck at home. Rideshare apps like Uber now make it easy to get where you need to go.

Retirement shouldn’t have to mean boredom. Technology offers many varied ways to keep yourself entertained beyond sitting in front of the TV. Even better, keeping your mind active with technology could be good for your brain. According to a 2021-2022 study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, regular internet use correlates with a lower incidence of dementia.

Some ideas for staying entertained online include:

• Playing games, like those that AARP offers
• Keeping up to date on the news and current events Researching new hobbies and interests
• Listening to podcasts
• Interacting with people through social media and online communities

Online shopping allows you to buy what you need without leaving your home, which can save a lot of time and energy. And you can now order most things you need online, including groceries and even some prescriptions. Online banking enables you to check your account and deposit checks without leaving home. And online bill paying makes staying up to date on your bills each month faster and easier.