Technology has been greatly advancing in the previous years. From the traditional devices like television and cellphones, our gadgets have greatly evolved with many features people can truly benefit from. What the people in the past perceived as the future is slowly coming to pass. But not everyone is benefiting from these modern devices. Senior citizens, those whose age is 65 and above, are slowly adapting to the rapid shift in technology. Many of them still do not prefer owning a cellphone, but instead stick with the ones they are used to. Some of them feel that there is no need to use the latest devices because they think that it is for the younger ones. The advanced features of these devices may be confusing to some of the older people so they choose not to use them at all. In 2013, Pew Research Center published their findings on an article regarding older adults and technology use. They found out that the older generations still lag in technological adoption. The reasons behind may be that these devices do not cater to them yet. Many of the seniors’ cognitive and physical functions depreciate and they might fully utilize these smartphones.

The use of technology by senior citizens has a lagging adoption rate. In the early ages of the Internet in 2000, very few of them even went online. But the good news is that more and more of the old ones use the Internet, and in the US, more than half go online. This trend is expected to increase gradually.

So, why do senior citizens need to have smartphones? Here are some reasons why many consider getting one in the first place.

Smartphones help in everyday life All of the things that smartphone users need to be well informed and organized are in the palm of our hands. Senior citizens can easily check the date, time, set reminders and alarms, and even manage their bank accounts online. There are also many useful apps that they can use to take notes, set doctor appointments, and more. Memory loss is one of the most common signs of aging and having a smartphone may help them remember things or play games to keep the mind active.

Seniors can be easily connected with others Through smartphones, communication has never been easier, and this also counts for older adults. Depression and loneliness due to isolation is evident to most seniors, as most of them do not live with their families. Also, due to decreasing motor ability, they cannot always visit their friends, loved ones, and peers because they can’t drive. With video calls and conferences as a fundamental feature in these devices, they can talk with their friends and loved ones in the comfort of their home.

In an emergency, smartphones can save them If they have them, caregivers cannot be with them all the time every day, and when something happens to them, they can count on their smartphones to send a text or call 911. These modern smartphones have voice commands and easy accessibility to emergency numbers, which can save time and add precious minutes in case something bad happens and they’re alone. Mobile communications and smartphone companies are realizing the need for senior citizens to use their devices, and they are manufacturing phones which cater to them. In the future, we hope that older adults will give up their skepticism and embrace smartphones. This devices may and will save their lives. Photo credits: Pixabay, PewInternet.org