Technology and Elderly – Embracing Technology to Improve Your Life

Technology is normally associated with the young and the trendy. Cell phone and computer companies market the gaming and music abilities of their phones and computers. The phones come in fashionable colors with hip ringtones and flashy features.

Older people are seldom interested in all this, but the basics of technology, without all the extras, can come in very handy for older people. The elderly of today didn’t grow up in a time where technology was as essential as it is today. They are scared to experiment and use technological devices such as computers and cell phones. That said, there are many elderly people who are quite competent in using their cell phones and computers but they are in the minority.

Technology can add to the comfort of the elderly and it can allow them to stay independent for much longer. The explosion in the technological device market has been phenomenal. If you can think of something to make your life easier and more comfortable, you are almost certain to find it.

While many of these devices might be unaffordable to a lot of elderly people, a basic computer and cell phone is within reach of many elderly people’s budget.

A cell phone is a wonderful device that allows older people to stay in contact. There are cell phones on the market with bigger buttons and screens that make it easier to use. Sending text messages is a daily occurrence in almost everybody’s life. Staying in contact with loved ones and family or friends is very important in older people’s lives. Receiving a message from a loved one can brighten up a lonely person’s day.

The advantages of computer technology to the elderly are more important than what most people realize. What is there that you can’t do over the internet? Elderly people can be in control of their own finances by using the internet banking services. For someone who finds it difficult to walk or stand in queues, internet banking is a wonderful tool. The elderly person won’t have to rely on others to get to the bank and they won’t have to go through all the distress of actually visiting the bank. It won’t only have an impact on the elderly person’s life, but also on those responsible for driving them around and assisting them in these tasks. Many online shops provide an online grocery ordering and delivery facility as well.

Independence is the one aspect in the life of the elderly that should be nurtured and technology can do that.