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!

http://www.seniornet.org/

http://www.skillfulsenior.com/

http://www.gcflearnfree.org/internet

http://www.microsoft.com/enable/aging/tips.aspx

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.

<http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/23/living/boomers-and-tech/>.

2.       “This Is How The Internet Is Rewiring Your Brain.” The Huffington Post. 31 October 2013.

<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/30/shocking-ways-internet-rewires-brain_n_4136942.html>.

3.       “Tech-Savvy Grandkids Keep Grandparents Young.” eMarketer. 15 January 2015.

<http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Tech-Savvy-Grandkids-Keep-Grandparents-Young/1011827/1>.

---

[1]

[2]

2

3