Tech savvy 90 year olds

Technology has progressed a long way over the course of an older adults’ lifetime. They have seen everything from dramatic medical advances to the rise of an internet-dependent society. Over the last several years, older adults have been the quickest growing section of the online population. More and more people over the age of 60 are going online and using Facebook, Google, Yahoo and YouTube. They are emailing, texting and blogging—and it has a positive impact on their lives as they are communicating more frequently with family and reconnecting with old friends.

We at Samvedna Senior Care are now coming across more and more 90+ seniors wanting to learn technology, and they are taking to it with increased enthusiasm and self-motivation.

One such senior, Mrs. Sahai, a 93 year old home maker, decided to learn how to use a tablet, when she was gifted one on her 92^nd birthday. She shared that her children always want her to grow and keep learning something new. She feels that learning how to use the tablet also keeps her busy and informed about the changing world.

According to Mrs. Sahai, elderly should not hesitate to learn technology at any stage of their life.  She believes that it is important that all of us as a part of society should adapt with the changes in technology, the elderly being no exception. She feels elderly are at a risk of social isolation if they keep away from technology. Then there are some seniors who perceive they cannot learn, understand or adapt to technology. With gentle nudging and encouragement any senior can learn, some sooner than others, but the key is to keep trying and working at it. For Mrs. Sahai, one of the biggest motivations for choosing to learn technology was to increase her social interaction. Learning the tablet has helped her bridge the geographical gap between her children/relatives who are living abroad, she said.

In an era where everything is moving online, there is a wealth of benefit in digital literacy for aging adults.It allows seniors to stay in touch with family and friends through Whatsapp, Skype or email which can have a significant impact on their emotional well-being. It lessens isolation, feelings of loneliness and depression, and enhances one’s sense of independence. It gives them the opportunity to engage in mind stimulating games, listen to their favorite bhajan or songs.

Seniors do tend to utilize technology differently than the younger generation. They use their cell phones for more basic communication purposes, while younger adults use them more for social media purposes that relieve boredom.

Seniors find Facebook quite useful for staying connected to family and friends who do not live nearby and they love to see the pictures of their loved ones! Additionally, seniors are also turning to the web more frequently to get the latest news. Of course, many still read the newspaper daily or watch the evening news on TV. Some recognize that online news offers a quicker way to get latest coverage about what’s happening around the world. With time, seniors are learning to understand the contributions that technology can make to help them live a positive, engaged lifestyle.

Another encouraging case study is that of Mrs  Oberoi who recently turned 90. She uses technology in her everyday life for online shopping, watching movies, listening to songs and viewing the latest episodes of her favorite serials on her smart TV. For her technology has helped her get rid of her boredom and provided the means for spending her time in a fun way.

Mr B.S Phool, retired from Air India in 1987, he is 88 now, during his work life he never had to use computers but now he thinks technology is the “need of the day” as one can’t live without it. He feels connected with the outside world and uses his smartphone to spend his time. He also feels empowered with technology and is less dependent on others for reading his emails, sending messages and keeping up with the latest news.

One more inspiring instance is of Mr. Jain, 91, a retired senior bureaucrat. He beautifully explained how smart phone is helping him in orientation of the current scenario, date and time. He further mentioned how he has connected to his family abroad through audio and video calling. He spoke about his fondness for listening to poetry on YouTube on his smart phone. He also gave a powerful message to other seniors and suggested them to learn technology. He said “the time of monarchy has gone, the time of literature has gone, if you want to live and lead a comfortable life then you must learn technology.”

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