I just read an article on Steve Moran’s Senior Living Industry Information & Commentary site and watched its accompanying short video. I was drawn by its title: A Perfect Senior Living Activity – A Must Read Article. The timing of reading this was perfect as last week I gave a presentation at the Leading Age California Annual Conference in Palm springs, California where I emphasized that appropriately applied technology can facilitate person centeredness. This story proves my point.
The article and video describe how residents in the Windsor Park Retirement Community near Chicago have become enthusiastic participants in a program connecting them with young students in Brazil who want to improve their English skills. Teacher and student meet on Skype, the work begins, knowledge is transferred and new intergenerational relationships develop. It was inspiring and touching to watch the video and seeing the smiles and joy made possible and enhanced by this brilliant use of technology
Seniors will embrace technology when it’s easy to use, meaningful to them and helps them fulfill their personal goals. Technology has to make lives fuller, more engaging and be seen as positive. It has to go far beyond reminding them that if they fall, they may not be able to get up. That’s why at Independa we continually remind ourselves that it’s not about the technology. It’s about developing holistic integrated technology that enriches the lives of the elderly and their care partners and fosters independence.
Take a few minutes to read this piece and watch the short video. The video will make you smile, too.
By: Dr. Richard Della Penna, Chief Medical Officer at Independa, Inc.
