Seniors Are Saying No to High Tech

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Even as someone in their 30s I can totally understand how technology is moving too fast for a lot of people who haven't been living with it their whole lives to adapt. I found out the hard way when i told my grandpa to get a smart phone thinking it would benefit him. Long story short I have the smartphone and i got him an SVC. He is very happy with the simplicity of it all and as a depression age senior, he appreciates the value.

Brad of NY 6:57PM October 31, 2011

Great article - informative...
This is exactly why the SageMinder System was developed. It is a home monitoring, check-in and medication reminder service that is set up online by family caregivers but the senior only receives a basic telephone call. Check it out: http://www.sageminder.com/Services/SageMinderSystem.aspx

Lori Paterno of PA 10:16AM October 21, 2011

Developing apps that are senior or multi-age friendly is key to adoption, but one of the most significant aspects of what technology can bring to the table is impacting the social isolation of seniors, related to accessing community resources and healthcare information. The ability to interact goes a long way toward heading off feelings of depression in the elderly.
Steven East, CEO and President
Caring People Home Healthcare Agency
Servicing New York, New Jersey and Florida
http://www.caringpeopleinc.com
@caringpeopleinc

Steven East of NY 9:49PM September 09, 2011

I totally agree with the comment above when it comes to bringing the technology down to a senior's level rather than expecting them to come up to it. I recently read that a new, senior specific, touch screen computer is being released and I think that's absolutely a step in the right direction.
I've been trying little by little to bring my grandmother into the tech age and I started last year when I found this little prepaid phone at KMart called SVC. She still has the phone and it was actually very easy for her to get used to and become accustomed to using - very basic options. Funny thing is that she now has actually progressed to wanting a phone with email or web service and that's exactly what I was hoping for.

K.C. of GA 12:02PM August 24, 2011

If you plop down a computer in front a someone that has never seen one or interacted with one their entire life, they aren't going to use it.
If you walk up to someone and say to them, "Where did you grow up? Have you ever looked at it on Google Earth? Let me show you how." and have someone sit down with them and teach them not just how, but the benefits of doing so. Connecting with their loved ones, Skyping with their kids who live across the country, to attending weddings of their great great grandchildren with live feed over the internet.
We have been working in this space for four years, and know that in order for seniors to adopt technology, they need teaching, and an easier way to access the internet. Technology is made for those that have used technology. It's not created by those with the thinking cap, "how do i make this so it's not intimidating, or maybe even helpful?".
We have had great success in getting seniors, 65-100+ to adopt technology.

Ann Marie Bland of MA 8:18PM August 17, 2011