The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us more than ever how technology can help us stay connected to our loved ones – and the world at large. As we’ve been social distancing, our society’s use of technology has been used to help us do everything from buying groceries to gathering (virtually) with friends and family to entertain ourselves … and more.
“We’re definitely seeing how technology makes our lives easier, better and healthier, even though it’s no substitution for good old face-to-face conversation and connection,” says Reshma Nair, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover, a memory care assisted living community in Andover, MA. “At Bridges by EPOCH, we use technology on a regular basis to help keep our seniors active, connected and engaged.”
The Benefits of Technology for Seniors
Reshma says that technology today has helped improve the lives of seniors in multiple ways, thanks to an increased focus on medical technologies and “smart” products that can help seniors stay on top of their health and safety.
How does technology accomplish this? “Social isolation can be as dangerous as smoking or being overweight,” Reshma says. “On the other hand, being socially connected is linked to good health, a better mental state, better physical health and a lower risk of developing diseases like Alzheimer’s, arthritis and some forms of cancer.”
In today’s world, where friends and family may live across the globe due to family or career moves, technology makes connecting easier than ever. Here are just a few ways that technology can help keep today’s seniors connected and socially active … even in the midst of a pandemic.
It makes connecting with faraway friends and family a cinch.
No surprise here – we all know the power of Facebook, Instagram and even texting to connect us to people we love and care about … even if they are half a globe away. For seniors who may be isolated from the people they care about (whether due to health, distance or any other reason), technology makes it easy to stay on top of what’s happening in their loved ones’ lives.
It bridges the gap between generations.
Not only does technology make it easy to connect – it makes it easier for generations to communicate. Today’s kids barely ever pick up the phone to actually talk in the old-fashioned sense. These days, it’s more about texting, TikToking, Skyping or anything besides holding the phone up to your ear and talking. Getting on top of technology can help seniors stay in touch with grandchildren and great-grandchildren in meaningful ways they’ll actually enjoy and relate to. (Plus, those filters you can use are pretty fun.)
It connects seniors with things they care about.
Seniors have all sorts of free time on their hands. Technology allows them to find new activities, hobbies and interests, or puts them in touch with interests that may have fallen by the wayside. From online classes to instructional videos and more, seniors can learn new skills and even travel the world without having to leave their couch.
It helps seniors stay healthy, both physically and mentally.
Staying healthy across all aspects of wellness is key to aging well and helping to maintain a high quality of life, says Reshma. “This is particularly true when it comes to mental wellness,” she says. “Technology enables us to help our memory care patients to use and maintain the abilities that remain with them.” Research has shown that even individuals with memory issues can benefit from stimulating their minds, and there are plenty of great apps and technology tools to help do that. Bridges® by EPOCH utilizes the unique iN2L programming that allows residents to enjoy unique virtual experiences, learning and fun physical or cognitive activities.
“Technology is becoming more and more a staple in our lives, which will continue to evolve as the baby boomers age,” says Reshma. “This will affect not just our ability to connect with each other, but also our ability to care for each other and maintain our well-being. Technology will continue to be of ever-increasing importance to our senior population, and Bridges by EPOCH will be there to adapt new and emerging technologies to help us provide the best possible lifestyle for those who call us home.”
Exceptional Care. Engaging Lifestyle.
Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover provides specialized memory care in an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive and welcoming. Built solely to care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover creates a wellness-focused, engaging lifestyle that respects individual preferences, focuses on residents’ abilities and creates meaning in daily life.
Dedicated Memory Care.
Through every stage of memory loss, residents and their families have complete peace of mind. Our compassionate dementia care and unique programs are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident wherever they are on their own journey, allowing them to age in place safely, comfortably and with dignity.
Supportive, Purpose-Built Design.
Featuring a stunning residential design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Andover is much more than a beautiful place to live; it’s a community where residents’ lives are enriched and families enjoy meaningful moments together. Our research-based design features soft colors and lighting, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life-enrichment stations that empower residents to explore their homes with confidence.
Contact us today to learn more.