According to a report by Forrester Research, 82 percent of all Baby Boomers, or about 63 million adults, regularly use the Internet. The report also notes more than 40 percent of this age group owns a smartphone, meaning wherever they may go, they bring the internet with them.
This is largely because adults and their families are realizing the power that the internet has to transcend challenges of distance than normally would erode a relationship.
The Daily Citizen recently explored how Sheri Williams, a resident of Dayton, Texas, uses technology to maintain relationships with her children and grandchildren, who she explains are "spread across several time zones." While this would normally make keeping in touch difficult, through her efforts in learning the mediums her children and grandchildren prefer, she has been able to maintain a presence in their lives.
"I get to say, 'Hey, buddy,' and see him break out in a smile," she told the source about her video chat conversations with her grandson.
Although phone calls have been the traditional means of keeping in touch for some time, evidence suggests that Baby Boomers are increasingly adopting more modern forms of communication.
Amy Goyer, a family expert at AARP, explained to the Daily Citizen that maintaining family relationships gives older adults special incentive to adapt to new technology. A survey by her organization showed that over 20 percent of grandparents use technology to communicate with their grandchildren at least once a week.
Of course, this number would likely be higher if the technology was made more intuitive and accessible. Independa's Angela™ solution allows older adults with limited or no prior technological experience to quickly and easily reach out to family across town or across the globe.
Independa's solutions have been designed from the beginning with the needs of older adults in mind. Designed with larger fonts, higher contrasts and brighter colors, Angela™ allows effortless access to video chat, integrated health information, messaging, games, medication reminders and easy photo sharing.
Independa's independent living aids are both easy to use and non-stigmatizing, meaning care recipients can enjoy the many benefits without feeling as if they are being singled out.
With Angela™, older adults electing to pursue aging in place can realize the benefits technology offers in successfully avoiding social isolation and remaining engaged and independent.
Independa's solution can also become a centralized care hub through the addition of Internet-of-Things (IoT) enabled devices, such as sensors that alert when someone enters or leaves the house or when the fridge needs restocking. Contact us today to schedule a demo.
Do you have any experiences with how technology has helped keep your older adult family members in the loop? Please share your insights with us on our Facebook page.
