Keeping Seniors Connected Through Modern Technology

Socialization is important at any age, most notably for those aged 65+. Older adults that stay active and socially engaged are more likely to be happier and healthier than those who don’t. For reasons ranging from a serious illness to chronic depression, many independent seniors don’t socialize like they should. Thankfully, modern technology offers new opportunities for seniors to stay virtually connected so that social isolation is a thing of the past.

The Link Between Senior Health and Socialization

Recent studies would seem to indicate that an aging adult’s physical and mental health are strongly influenced by their level of social engagement. Researchers have determined that seniors who stay socially engaged are at lower risk for developing these health problems:

• Loneliness and depression
• Cognitive decline, including dementia
• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Low self-esteem

How Technology Helps Seniors

Modern technology provides aging-in-place seniors with many benefits, such as:

• Source of entertainment
• Monitoring health and wellness
• Access to food and transportation
• Connects them with family, friends, and healthcare providers
• Safety and security
• Staying informed about the latest news and trends
• Ensures peace of mind
• Alerts caregivers if something is wrong

New Technologies for Active Seniors

These high-tech apps, gadgets, and services now allow seniors to safely remain in their homes while connecting with family and friends:

Mobile phone apps

Mobile applications, or apps, are computer programs designed to run on a smartphone or tablet. There are apps for playing games, listening to music or audiobooks, or watching videos. Some apps can be downloaded for free, while others must be purchased through the Apple App Store (Apple devices) or Google Play (Android devices).  Some of the best mobile apps for seniors include FaceTime, Marco Polo, and Facebook Messenger.

Food delivery services

Along with socialization, a senior’s health also relies on good nutrition. Food delivery service apps like Silver Cuisine, Magic Kitchen, or Freshology make it easy for older adults to have groceries and nutritious meals brought right to their doorstep.

Video chatting services

COVID-19 has driven the demand for video conferencing and chatting services that can also be used by seniors to communicate with loved ones. Free services like Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom allow older adults to call loved ones and see their smiling faces even when they live far away. From checking in on the grandchildren to hosting a book club with friends, video chats are a great way for homebound seniors to stay connected!

Medical alert systems

In-home falls and other accidents injure millions of older adults every year. Medical alert devices are one way to restore peace of mind for both seniors and their families. In the event of any emergency, a medical alert system like Medical Alert, LifeFone, or GetSafe allows the user to promptly notify first responders, dramatically reducing the time it takes for them to arrive at the home.

Virtual doctor’s visits

Without leaving the house, telemedicine services like PlushCare, Teladoc, and MDlive now offer elderly patients convenient access to many of the same services that they would normally receive at their doctor’s office. By videoconferencing with a licensed doctor or nurse, seniors can take advantage of virtual medical services that include checkups, urgent care, and mental health care.

Transportation services

Older adults who are unable to drive, or just prefer not to, can also benefit from senior transportation and ridesharing apps like Lyft and Uber. With these mobile apps, simply enter your destination and choose a ride. For security purposes, the app will alert you once the driver has arrived at your home.

An Extended Family in Your Loved One’s Home

Helping an aging loved one stay connected with the outside world isn’t always easy. At AmeriCare Plus, we’ve been keeping seniors active and socially engaged for over 26 years now. As a family-owned senior care business, we offer our clients care, compassion, and security in the comfort of their own homes. Spearheaded by our Team Teal, our highly trained professionals use the latest technologies to keep clients and their families constantly informed and updated.

While serving as an extended family in the home, our compassionate caregivers can deliver in-home services including hourly personal care, live-in companion care, post-operative care, dementia care, and respite care. With 10 convenient locations in Virginia, we pride ourselves on being one big family taking care of your family. To learn more about AmeriCare Plus now, or to schedule an initial consultation for a senior in our service area, please visit us today at www.americarepluspc.com.