Tech-Savvy Grandparents - An Oxymoron or Not?
The days of dial up internet and pagers are over. We now
live in a Facebook, iPhone world where the younger generations are thriving and
well, the seniors are struggling. But are they? You would be surprised to know
that “53% of American adults are over 65 and one in three of those seniors are using
social networks.” [1]
Although these types of technologies can seem overwhelming and difficult to
understand, they can be a tremendous resource for grandparents who are
separated from their families and/or grandchildren. It’s time to embrace the
now and stop living in the past!
Technology has brought us many things such as, smart cars
and medical marvels. However, it has also brought us the gift of Life Alert.
Years ago, an emergency device that could summon medical help fast with a touch
of a button, did not exist. Thanks to technology, we now live in a world where
independent living seniors can feel safe in their homes with a one touch, one
stop shop emergency device. Whether there is a medical emergency, home invasion
or fire, seniors no longer need to rely on family or friends to come to their
rescue. Life Alert is available 24/7 and it is their only
job to get you an emergency response fast!
Staying active in the
community, exercising and spending time with family can contribute to more
sound mind and body, but did you know that the “use of internet search engines can stimulate neural activation patterns and
potentially enhance brain function in older adults?”[2] So
surfing Facebook or connecting with loved one’s through email isn’t just for
fun, it’s for your health too! A UCLA
professor of neuroscience and human behavior, Dr. Gary Small, recently reported
that, ‘“Internet searching engages complicated brain activity, which may help
exercise and improve brain function.”’2
Another reason to get with the times and turn on that computer.
For seniors who find themselves distant from their
grandchildren, social media and the internet can play a huge factor in
maintaining your relationships. A recent study showed that 50% of grandparents
admitted technology has given them the ability to communicate more with their
grandchildren.3 Isn’t it wonderful to know that there is a way for both of
you to communicate freely and quickly with just a few key strokes? It may take
some time to learn how to use these new and ever changing technologies, but so
far, better brain function and connecting with family seem like two great
reasons to start learning now.
Show the world and your grandkids, that this old dog can
learn some new tricks! Check out these specifically designed courses for
seniors that will teach you all about computers and the internet!
In no time, you’ll be an internet surfing pro! Now armed
with the opportunity to connect with family and friends, you’ll be the “cool”
grandparent.
Life Alert is looking forward to seeing you conquer the
internet world and while you’re surfing the World Wide Web, stop by Life Alert!
See all of their services, devices and even speak to one of their service
representatives who can help you get Life Alert today! For
a free brochure, call 1-800-513-2934.
Works Cited:
1.
Cook, Shanon.
“Grandparents get tech savvy to keep in touch.” CNN. 23 January 2013.
2.
“This Is How The
Internet Is Rewiring Your Brain.” The
Huffington Post. 31 October 2013.
3.
“Tech-Savvy Grandkids
Keep Grandparents Young.” eMarketer.
15 January 2015.
