3 Tech-Related Resources to Help Older Adults Combat Loneliness

As people grow older, it is common for them to experience medical conditions that accompany aging. Over time, adults may find that their eyesight is a little weaker, their joints are more swollen than usual, or they begin to misplace objects more frequently than before. Fortunately, these experiences are all normal parts of aging, and can be prepared for with the right help and resources. 

What many older adults don’t realize however, is that caring for their emotional health can be just as important to maintaining their overall wellbeing. According to a U.S. Health and Retirement study, 43 percent of Americans aged 60 and older reported feeling lonely, while a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that nearly “one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.” 

Despite being related, loneliness and social isolation are not the same. Loneliness is a person’s subjective feelings toward their perceived lack of belonging and companionship. Social isolation is objective and is measured by factors such as the size of their social network, how frequently they communicate with members in their network, and more. For seniors and older adults, both loneliness and social isolation have been recognized as important public health issues, as they can lead to an increased risk for health problems such as heart disease, depression, and dementia, and stroke. 

Overcoming social isolation and loneliness is not an easy task — especially during a global pandemic. With federal and state recommendations of social distancing and self-isolation, many older adults have been unable to see their friends and family this past year. Even with the rising number of vaccinations around the world, many seniors may not be ready to return back to pre-COVID world, making isolation and its health consequences a difficult problem to solve. Luckily, in today’s digital age, technology offers a powerful solution to help seniors feel less alone and detached from others. If you or your loved one is looking for better ways to connect with friends, family, and others, consider these 3 tech-related resources to help adults combat loneliness and social isolation:

4 Smart Technology Devices To Support Aging in Place

For older adults contemplating aging in place, the saying “home is where the heart is” rings especially true. According to an AARP survey, “nearly 90 percent of people over age 65 want to stay in their home for as long as possible.”

However, many are also aware that aging in place is not a decision to take lightly. With age comes an assortment of medical conditions that make independent living challenging, including balance loss, reduced vision, and increased risk for fall. Without proper support networks and home modifications designed to accommodate health concerns, aging in place can even be dangerous for seniors.

Luckily, with today’s technological advancements, smart-home devices can serve functions essential to independent living. While they cannot account for every challenge that accompanies aging in place, they can help assist with daily tasks, ensure safety, and provide peace of mind for caregivers and loved ones who are away from home. Most smart-devices can also be activated remotely with a smartphone, which can help limit unnecessary movements around the home that can lead to injury. If you or a loved one is considering aging in place, here are 4 smart-devices that can help facilitate the transition to a safer living space: