Technology: Modern Help for the Aging Mind

McLean Hospital Guest Blogger Ipsit Vahia, MD Digital technology isn't just a domain for younger generations. It also has amazing potential for activating the mind and improving the quality of life in older adults. How do older adults use technology? A common misconception is that older adults are technophobic. One reason behind this thinking may be older people's relative lack of exposure to technology. Whereas technology is a compulsory part of life for most school-age children and working adults, using technology is largely voluntary for older adults. Another reason may be an unclear understanding about how older adults use technology. They don't tend to explore technology the way that teenagers or younger adults do, but are more apt to focus on a specific feature that is particularly useful to them. Research shows that if the technology has a clear, targeted purpose, older adults are both interested in and quite capable of adopting it. What should older adults use smart technology for? Smart technology can be useful for seniors in many ways. It can help to increase physical activity, improve connectedness with others, stimulate the brain, and improve mood. The key is that the technology should have a meaningful purpose, not just be a means to pass the time. Exercise, for instance, is one of the most reliable means of improving longevity and mental health, and technology can help to make it more accessible and fun. While walking and going to the gym can be great for...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news