Senior Edition: technology for seniors made easy

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EATON — Seniors are embracing technology more than ever! Through the use of technology, such as social media tools or virtual reality, seniors can see a decrease in loneliness and, in turn, experience better mental and physical health.

There are many technology devices that just make life easier and healthier for seniors! Although there is an ongoing stereotype that older adults are leery of technology, research shows that 58 percent of those over 65 years old use the Internet.

Workforce retirees may have already been accustomed to using computer systems for over 30 years. However, new technology makes life easier for seniors to stay in touch with long distance family, live independently, or simply get help when they need it!

Here are six tech tools that seniors can benefit from:

1. Tablets and E-Readers: Many seniors are ditching their computers with tablets to give them bigger screens for video conferencing with family, sharing photos, or doing Internet research.

2. Skype or Facetime: These video call apps are popular, allowing seniors with grandchildren who live far away to supplement face-to-face interaction.

3. Zoom: This is another form of a video call app that has become more popular throughout the pandemic. It provides videotelephone and online chat services through a cloud-based peer-to-peer software platform, and is used for teleconferencing, telecommuting, distance education, and social relations both personally and professionally.

4. Fitness Trackers: Wearable fitness monitors, such as the FitBit, make it easier for seniors to live a healthy life. The fitness trackers can monitor physical activity and sleep, to ensure they get enough exercise.

5. Online Estate Repository: Everplans is just one option of an online service that creates digital archives that includes trust, passwords, information about your home and more. They allow options to share this information with family members as well.

6. GPS Insoles: This new product is an insole that can go into the shoes of someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia. It will help track them in case of wandering off. Through this device, you can set a perimeter and be alerted if the person leaves that area.

(Reference: https://www.seniorhelpers.com/resources/blogs/5-essential-tech-tools-for-seniors)

As we continue to navigate our reopening, we will be offering several online zoom classes. You can find out more about by checking out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/preblecountycouncilonaging/?ref=page_internal or give us a call at, 937-456-4947.

To stay up to date on all of our activities, trips and senior news sign up to receive our bi-monthly newsletter the “Senior Scene.” Membership at the Senior Center is $10 a year. In addition to other benefits, members automatically receive our bi-monthly “Senior Scene” newsletter which features all our latest news and activities, additional benefits are discounts on trips and select activities. Like our Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/preblecountycouncilonaging/ or give us a call at 937-456-4947. Visit our website at www.PrebleSeniorCenter.org.

Submitted by Holly Steele

For PCCOA

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