Although you might believe that it is usually only younger people who benefit from technology, this is not the case. In fact, many older people and communities have also found ways to benefit from technology. Below we look into some ways in which technology can keep older communities together and thriving in 2023.
Video Calls
The top technology that has transformed the lives of elderly people and which is often used to keep older communities together is video calls. The main benefit of video calls is that they can help elderly people to connect with others who may not be in their vicinity. This means that they are used in care homes much more than you would expect. For instance, elderly people can use video calls to connect with others in the care home and beyond when they are ill or if they are vulnerable or have a weakened immune system. Not only this, but they may use video calls to join events without attending in person.
Many care homes also use video calls to help the elderly people in their care to stay in touch with relatives who may be unable to visit or live far away, and this was especially needed when restrictions left many families unable to see their loved ones. Therefore, you should consider showing your older relative how to use video call software if they are moving into a care home such as Signature care homes. However, video technology can sometimes be difficult for elderly people to get the hang of, and a member of staff may be needed to show them the ropes.
Digital Photos and Albums
Another technology that can keep older communities together is digital photos and albums. Many seniors love storing memories. However, they may not always have the room to keep all the photographs that they love, especially if they live in a care home. Not only this, but digital photos can make it easier for seniors to show other people their photos and to share the pictures whenever they want to.
Elderly people might also decide to start a digital photo album for their community that other people can collaborate on and add their own photos to. This can start a wonderful project that can represent the community and boost morale.
Instant Messaging Services
Instant messaging services can also be a great tech solution for communities. This is because instant messaging can be used to quickly contact friends and relatives. For instance, a senior might use an instant messaging service to arrange a coffee date with a friend or to ask their grandchild how they did in a school test.
Instant messaging services can ensure that elderly people are easily able to keep in contact with the people they love best, even if they do not have a lot of time or are not in the same room, and they might even be able to set up group chats for their family and their community where everyone can chat and organize plans together.
Mobile Phones
Many elderly people now use mobile phones, and they can be a lifeline. Mobile phones allow elderly people to contact their community or their family no matter where they are, and their quick call function ensures that they always have a method of speaking to those in their community. Not only this, but mobile phones can allow elderly people to alert a friend or relative if they are feeling unwell or need help.
Content Tailored for Older People
However, technology can also be good for older communities as it can allow seniors to enjoy content tailored for them and help them connect with other like-minded people with the same interests. This content might be in the form of online societies, blogs, or even forums, where seniors can chat about their hobbies and lives with other older people.
They might even be able to find digital content that could help them to stay healthy, such as health guides for seniors or online games that can help them to connect with people all over the world to complete a puzzle or a level of the game.
They may also decide to play these games with the friends that they have in real life, which can help to improve their relationships with others. This can make older people feel less lonely and ensure that they are able to communicate with other seniors whenever they wish to, as well as connect with content that speaks to them. This can help to keep older communities together.
