AgeTech movement offers options to seniors who are aging in place
August 18, 2023 | Benaroya Community Services, General, Resources
The use of technology usage amongst older adults has skyrocketed in recent years, spurred on even faster by the COVID-19 pandemic. This appetite for new technology is not likely to subside when the pandemic does, as the current population of seniors are much more familiar with technology and expect more out of it.
Today, among people 60 and older, 60% visit social media sites at least once a week, 21% play video games, and 82% own a smartphone. Another study found that 7 in 10 seniors aged 65-74 were interested in trying an AR/VR headset to pursue a hobby or try a virtual travel experience.
Technology has also transformed how seniors experience health care. Telemedicine usage jumped 340% among Medicare-eligible seniors during the pandemic and 95% of seniors in America report they would use tech if recommended by a physician. These studies point to a future where seniors are more likely to be early adopters of technological innovations – a trend that will likely increase even more as younger generations age.
This leads us to AgeTech, which is a term that covers a range of tech-enabled care services and offerings across health care, wellness, transportation, finance, and end-of-life planning. In the world of senior care, the term AgeTech is becoming popular because it refers to a variety of products that support seniors as they navigate changes in their health, living situation, and relationships with their loved ones.
One particular community that has embraced the AgeTech movement are seniors living at home, as it offers services and other digital solutions that allow them to take more control of their health and wellbeing without sacrificing independence. Some examples include:
- Virtual medical visits: There are a collection of new apps that connect patients with their healthcare provider from the safety of their own home. This gives seniors a safe alternative to meet with medical professionals, ask health-related questions and get/refill prescriptions.
- Staying connected: Being social and engaged is incredibly important for everyone, seniors in particular. New technology allows seniors to easily stay in touch with loved ones from afar or use virtual assistants to do brainteasers from their couch.
- Wearable devices: A number of new products are designed to help loved ones and medical professionals monitor a patient’s vitals remotely. This is especially helpful when managing chronic conditions or alerting in the event of a fall.
- Medication trackers: Staying on top of medication is crucial for seniors, and new technology uses real-time alerts (with voice recognition and video-calling capabilities) to help seniors keep on dose and on schedule.
These are just a few of the ways that AgeTech services are impacting the future of senior care. While these digital offerings are not a replacement for at-home and community-based care, they have become an important part of the care spectrum that is needed for modern-day seniors.
If you are interested in learning more, please don’t hesitate to call Kline Galland’s Senior Care Resource Line at 206-723-INFO (4636).
