Technology spans several areas that contribute to a well-rounded senior life, including social connection, safety, physical fitness, medication management and health tracking.
BY 2030 the global community of seniors will be over a billion strong, and thanks to the expansion of digital technologies, this time is seen by many as an opportunity for personal reinvention, new experiences, and healthily enjoying a new chapter in one’s life.
On Tuesday, May 17, Digicel will celebrate World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) under the theme’ Digital technologies for older persons and healthy ageing’. The telecommunications provider said it is focused on expanding the conversation about how Jamaican seniors can also tap into the vast digital resources available to them to get the most out of their years.
Said Digicel: “Technology’s impact on healthy ageing is not limited to physical health. Instead, it spans several areas that contribute to a well-rounded senior life, including social connection, safety, physical fitness, medication management and health tracking.”
Seniors here are a few simple innovations you can explore as you learn more about the world of digital innovations of tech for older people, more cleverly referred to as ‘Silvertech’:
1) Remote health monitoring apps: These allow health practitioners and family members to track vital signals for seniors, including blood glucose levels, oxygen levels, heart rate, and blood pressure using wearable devices.
2) Healthy living apps: These are the most common apps among seniors that empower them to self-monitor metrics like heart rate, diet, exercise and even sleep. They are an excellent choice for patients living with diabetes, hypertension or heart disease.
3) Medication management: Thanks to technology, you never have to remember when to take your pills. Medication management apps allow you to schedule your doses ahead of time, and will remind you when to take your meds, how much you need, and when to refill prescriptions.
4) Entertainment streaming services: For seniors who can no longer get out as much as they’d like, streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, D’Music, and PlayGo can give you unlimited access to your favourite songs and films with just the touch of a button.
5) Social media: Several thriving communities of seniors connect online across all popular social media and messaging platforms. Careful use of social media can be a great way to get in touch with old friends, meet people with shared interests, and learn about new hobbies and activities you could grow to love.
With just a few pointers from a tech-savvy friend or family member, seniors can quickly get started with digital technologies. If you’re ready to take that next step but don’t have a device, a friendly customer service rep at your nearest Digicel store will be happy to recommend a tablet or smartphone that will help you to start your journey. Wishing you a happy WTISD!
