[Introduction]
Technology is almost certainly a part of everyday life and it’s being used ALL over the world. However, when it comes to creating and selling, most products are focused on the younger through middle-aged generations, such as Generation Z and the Millennials. But what about the baby-boomers and older generations? Recently, technology has been on the come up in older populations due to the fact that it is now an everyday commodity. According to the Pew Research Center, “80% Americans 65+ have a cellphone” (Anderson & Perrin, 2017). However, with new technological products starting to address the older population, many adults are enabled to purchase more items of technology, due to the need of assistance and convenience. With the creation of modern technology, different forms of technology can benefit and impact the older population in many ways mentally, physically, and emotionally. For future options, companies can use such information to create more technological advancements for older adults and boost their sales, as well as their company.
In the field of technology, various forms of technology impact older adults, simply by making life easier. It also keeps them involved, active, and up-to-date. One good example of technology is telecommunications. Telecommunication allows them to stay connected with close family and friends, as well as society. Another example would be health-management apps, such as FollowMyHealth. These certain apps on electronic devices allow older adults to store and access their personal information, health services, medical conditions, etc.… Technology can also help keep older adults active mentally, by having games that exercise their brain and keep their brain active (crossword puzzles, word searches). There are also technological creations that keep them physically active, such as Wii and/or other video games. According to the website, CaregiverStress, “seniors [should] try games such as Tetris (spatial recognition), Trivial Pursuit (fact recall), or Mahjong (memory and matching)” ("5 Benefits of Technology to Share with Seniors and Their Caregivers"). These examples of entertainment can support special areas of the brain and keep them functioning, while possibly slowing down deterioration. Technology could also be their immediate source of news or daily information. “More adults go online for medical advice on any given day than actually visit health professionals” and “approximately 50 percent of online elders are getting news, weather…information online” (Willis, 2006). In addition, if they are disabled, or have certain sensory disabilities, technology has now adapted and provides assistance. “80% of Americans 65+ suffer from chronic conditions,” (“USC Gerontology”) making accessibility devices a great idea. Great examples of assisting devices would be smart home technology, virtual assistants, and online rideshare and delivering companies. This way, regardless of personal limits, they’re still able to complete whatever tasks they need to accomplish.
[Communication]
One specific example of technology that is catering more to the older population is telecommunications. Such things, like video-chatting, email, and texting, allow for the aging population to stay connected with loved ones. In addition, allow loved ones to be involved in their loved ones’ lives, even if they can’t be physically. Facetime, Skype, and Amazon’s new ‘Echo Show’ are prime examples of products that help assist with these issues. These products manage connectivity to ones who are dearest to the older adult. This effect can help diminish the sense of loneliness or depression that some may feel when their loved ones are not present physically. Another prime example of technology that is beneficial to older adults are virtual assistants. Amazon’s Echo Show comes with a built-in virtual assistant named Alexa. Features on the Echo Show, such as hands-free and voice-activated aspects, manages to make things simpler, especially for older adults. With the voice-activation option, older adults are able to ask questions, request recipes, set reminders, call family or friends, and more. Possessing such a device enables older adults with motor-disabilities accomplish tasks without the hassle.
[Home Wellness and Health]
Another example of technology going in hand with the virtual assistants, would be the use of Smart Home Technology. Smart Home Technology lets older adults control their home effortlessly. With options of one-touch or voice-activation, they’re able to control lights and temperature, lock doors and windows, turn off appliances, and more. Having these selections provide less stress and require minimum to no movement upon older adults, especially ones who struggle to get around or lack in aid.
There are more examples of technology that benefit the lives of older adults, such as Emergency Response devices. A common example would be Life Alert. If older adults lack help or don’t have a source of care, they’re able to use these emergency response devices to cater to their emergencies, if they ever do have one. Devices like these are very useful and handy, because they can help save a life. With built-in GPS technology, family and friends have access to up-to-date locations of their loved one(s), so they know exactly where they are and when. Such a creation can provide the family and the owner a quiet mind, knowing that their loved one, and themselves, are safe.
[Mobility and Transportation]
A final example of quality technology for older adults would be the use of online transportation services and delivering services. Rideshare companies, such as Lyft and Uber, have become extremely popular globally. They are perfect options for when the use of personal transportation is not an option. These services are well known, and are being used more frequently in the older adult population. Such companies benefit the population by doing what the adult cannot do themselves. “Seniors don’t have to rely on friends or relatives for transportation…which could mean huge boosts in independence and confidence…” (“How Technology Benefits Senior Citizens”). The use of these services allows them to get things done on their own like attending appointments, grocery shopping, or attending bingo-night, without the use of anyone else. The easy use of transportation, comes the easy use of delivering services. Delivering services, like Postmates and UberEats, helps older adults receive food or groceries when they are not able to prepare or get the food themselves.
[Options for the Future]
Numerous companies are creating and building different technological objects to address a larger audience, including the older adults by mainly focusing on the older community. They understand that engaging the older population is a key to money and product longevity. While for older people, it is an outlet for them to be involved, as well as improve and increase their life longevity. According to the website, CaregiverStress, “…staying socially engaged is just as important to healthy aging as genetics and maintaining a healthy body” ("5 Benefits of Technology to Share with Seniors and Their Caregivers").
Technology can have the opportunity to impact an aging individual by helping them feel involved and engaged in their community and in society, and making their lives easier/simpler. These sources could also provide them with some sort of entertainment, which could decrease depression or boredom that usually comes prevalent in older adults. Technology could help benefit their health, mentally and physically, as well possibly save their lives. “…seniors who keep up to date with the internet can produce a positive impact on key areas of life, including:
– personal fulfillment
– health preservation
– social connectedness
– functional capability
– caregiver support” (“The benefits of technology usage for seniors”, 2014).
When brainstorming ideas for technology, consider the affects the product could have on the older adults. Most products should try to have some focus on older populations, due to the idea of more money from products purchased. Most older adults tend to shy away from electronic devices due to the fact that they are complicated to understand, and require a lot of time and patience. Opportunities that exist are shaping the product to mainly target the older population. Producing a product that requires little setup and goes step-by-step is the biggest factor to successfully persuade the older population. Also, consider design, the layout of the product also plays a major role in the use and appeal of the product. Having a strong sales pitch is a big factor for the company as well.
[Recommendations & Conclusion]
When creating products, companies should think about trying to incorporate older audiences, by making more products suitable for older adults. This will aid them to feel young, alive, and also modernized. According to (“USC Gerontology”), “ 82% of Americans 65+ describe owning a smartphone as “freeing.” Due to the fact that being old is already hard enough, being out-of-date, or behind on present time events, is worse. As stated previously, companies should make devices that aren’t stressful or complicated to use. It’s acceptable to have a little challenge, but nothing that’s going to make older adults not want to use or purchase the product. In the process of creating, make the product simple and provide a follow-through guide. Companies should then, too, think about how the product will affect the consumer (older adults) positively.
Regardless of what it is, technology is everywhere. Almost anything thought of is now available electronically or online, and everyone is in the dire need to use or purchase an electronic device. When it comes to the older population, they’re in need the most. However, with companies creating “older-age friendly” products, they now are able to join the loop with society and live easier than ever. Along with the help of virtual assistance, smart home technology, various telecommunication choices and more, older adults can live modernly and enjoy a healthy, interactive life again.