Social & Community

Technology Can Be Key to Helping Older Adults Stay Connected, Healthy, Vital

Though older adults today didn't grow up surfing the Internet or dialing up friends on mobile phones, advanced technologies such as these are proving to hold unlimited potential for helping seniors maintain social networks, gain access to information, monitor their health, and even remain in their homes longer as they age. "We've found through our research that many older adults are very receptive to using technology and learning about the many ways it can improve their lives," says UAB Associate Professor of Sociology Shelia Cotten, Ph.D.

In May 2007, Dr. Cotten served as lead organizer of a technology conference – sponsored by the UAB Center for Aging, AARP, and other UAB Centers and Schools – that brought together 35 community health advisors (CHAs), individuals who are local leaders in their communities, from across Alabama to evaluate several technologies with specific applications for older adults in their communities. "After having the opportunity to spend time with more than 20 different technologies, several devices were noted by the group to be particularly useful and practical for older adults in their communities," says Dr. Cotten. The first is a memory aid, which can be worn on a belt or other piece of clothing, that gives pre-set voice reminders at different times of the day. "The participants thought this device could be very helpful for giving reminders about when to take medications, for example," Dr. Cotten explains.

Another device is an innovative communication tool that can be invaluable for Alzheimer's or stroke patients who have lost the ability to speak. "By pushing buttons on a keypad, this device generates audible words — thereby giving a ‘voice' to the individual," explains Dr. Cotten. "The third device participants thought would be most useful is a blood pressure monitor that issues audible voice readings. It also has the ability to maintain readings over a period of time, which is a feature that is especially helpful to senior adults."

When conference participants were asked what type of technology has the most potential for helping older adults maintain their well-being, self-esteem, physical health, and independence, telephone technology was the clear standout. "The telephone represents an important link to family and friends, allowing senior adults — especially those who are homebound — to maintain social networks and decrease isolation," says Dr. Cotten. And with today's rapid advances in information technology, mobile as well as traditional landline telephones are being used to transmit health information — giving seniors a way to monitor their health without ever leaving home. "Many home monitoring programs are available now that allow patients to keep track of their own vital signs, including blood pressure and blood-glucose levels," Dr. Cotten explains. The data can be transmitted via phone or computer to a nurse on duty, who reviews the information and calls the patient if any readings seem out of line.

Though the Internet remains uncharted territory for many senior adults, this technological marvel holds vast potential for helping older adults gain access to information and maintain social support that's so vital to well-being as we age. "Many participants in our conference use the Internet and understand its value. But, other older adults are intimidated or don't think it has use for them. But if seniors can be shown how the Internet fits into their lives, it can help to decrease loneliness and depression by helping seniors stay connected to a social network," says Dr. Cotten. She also emphasizes research has shown that younger family members can play an especially important role in helping older adults learn how to use technologies like the Internet. "Younger family members can help seniors overcome their intimidation and understand how technology can enhance their lives."

Dr. Cotten says that technology — which has already changed the way we live and get information — is certain to play an increasingly important role in the lives of older adults in the coming years as 77 million baby boomers enter senior adulthood. "Many home monitoring devices have been developed — such as motion sensors and in-home cameras — that will allow seniors to stay in their homes longer as they age. Though some of these give rise to privacy issues, many seniors are willing to make the trade-off in order to be able to remain at home as long as possible," says Dr. Cotten. "The next 20 years are certain to bring many new and exciting technologies that will improve virtually every aspect of life for older adults."