Why Seniors Need Technology
Don't be left behind
Flying solo
Social isolation is a problem many people face as they grow older.
Families move away or become busy with small children and it’s not always easy for them to stay in close contact. When you retire, some of your work friends may fall away and you can find yourself feeling a bit alone.
There are lots of ways to make social connections with new people, but the pandemic has made it harder to keep up with our friends.
It’s not easy to connect when restaurants are closed and people are afraid to meet in person.
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Technology has been a great way to stay connected for young people. Video conferencing, and using messaging are great ways to communicate. Joining an online community is another option.
But what if you’re not a techie type of person?
There’s a real divide between older adults and their ability to access support online.
Imagine living in a world where you can’t communicate or get information easily.
You can’t always get what you need
Many doctors and other medical professionals are asking patients to book appointments and communicate online.
Most governments and services have moved their services online.
Older adults are falling through the cracks of a society that’s becoming driven by technology.
Consider how to access your Health Records as an example.
(This will be different depending on where you live.)
The steps you need to take to access your health information online may include the following:
Download an App on your cell phone.
This assumes that you have a cell phone in the first place. It’ also assumes you know where the charger is and have it plugged in. You’ll also need access to the internet to download the app. You also need to know where to find Apps to download.You need your ID number for your health plan.
You need an email address that you can access.
You also need a tablet or desktop that has access to the internet.
The steps include: opening the App, enabling notifications, and pairing your device or phone. For many older adults, I’ve just stepped into the digital divide. Even the language used is unfamiliar.
Next, you would need to verify your identity by creating a video and sending it to the government.
Once the App is set up and your phone is paired with your desktop, you can use it to log into the government site and access your health records.
That’s a three-step process every time. Open your browser, open your App on your phone, follow the instructions which require a pairing code if you want to view the records on your browser.
Easy-peasy, right? Actually, it’s not.
A senior shared….“because she doesn’t have internet access or know how to use technology, she feels, “I’m just not part of this world anymore.” Tech Crunch.com
The Digital Divide
Imagine living in a world where you can’t communicate or get information easily. You try to learn but keep hitting roadblocks and become frustrated with yourself.
When you reach out for help, you’re told to go online, or you end up in an endless phone loop, which gets you nowhere fast.
You try to log into your computer but your mind goes blank and you can’t remember your password.
It’s an impossible situation for many, and the only solution is to get outside help.
Digital literacy is when you have the skills you need to live, learn, and work in a society where communication and access to information are online.
Digital technologies like internet platforms, social media, and mobile devices are great if you know how to use them, but many older adults don’t have the physical skills or knowledge to do it.
That’s created a digital divide
It’s a gap between younger adults and older ones. Gender, ethnicity, and poverty also play a role.
Most older adults haven’t had a lifetime of exposure to the internet. Many of us remember the invention of the internet. Some of us remember the invention of the landline.
We’ve been learning and adapting and many of us had technology figured out.
Then Covid hit and everything moved online.
Older adults who used to understand technology are falling behind. Their ability to socially engage is vastly reduced.
Everyone is experiencing increased isolation and feelings of loneliness.
How you can help
Reach out to your friends and family. If you understand technology, ask if they need help.
Walk them through the steps.
Take step-by-step notes as you go, checking for understanding.
Put passwords in a notebook.
Be patient and expect to show them the steps several times.
Volunteer at a local senior’s center. Be their tech guru. Connect with other seniors that may have similar problems.
Most of all, enjoy the time you have together before it’s gone.
Paid subscribers can access the entire archive of my stories from the beginning, along with my poetry and every article I’ve ever written here. If you aren’t a paid subscriber, you can access the archive for free with a 7-day trial.