Seniors and technology—a growing trend
Whether you’re looking to retire to a brand new home in a new location or your friends and family have moved to pastures new, the right technology can help you to stay connected with your loved ones—no matter how far away they are.
Research by Search Logistics shows that social networking sites are very popular with seniors. Just under three-quarters of those aged 50-64 use social media, followed by 45% of over 65s. And the percentage of older adults accessing the online world is only likely to get bigger. With the ability to effortlessly connect people to the outside world, seniors and technology are a great match.
Technology for seniors: 5 ways to stay connected
If you want to connect with your loved ones from your own home, these five easy-to-use technologies are ideal for older adults.
1. Facebook Messenger
Over 60% of people aged 55 and above use Facebook and its built-in instant messaging service called ‘Messenger’ is a handy tool for keeping in touch.
Facebook has around 2.9 million users, making it a common way to stay connected with more distant friends and family. Meanwhile, the Messenger extension allows you to send messages to your Facebook contacts or have voice/video calls, provided you have a reliable internet connection. It also lets you set up group chats with more than one person, so you can talk to lots of your family or friends at once.
Tips for using this technology for older adults
Often found separately from the Facebook app, you may have to download Facebook Messenger individually on your smartphone or tablet. Messenger is excellent for those who want to communicate without being active on Facebook.
2. WhatsApp
Around 53% of those aged 55 and over use WhatsApp daily, highlighting how easy it is to use this technology as an older adult. Owned by Facebook, WhatsApp is a dedicated instant messaging service that offers users a straightforward platform to catch up with friends and family.
Similar to Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp is free and can be used on laptops, smartphones and tablets. It lets you send messages, images and videos, as well as make voice and video calls. WhatsApp boasts an easy-to-use interface, making it ideal for anyone who may struggle with tech. It also has excellent group chat functionality—perfect for families or clubs and hobby groups. Features like the ‘mute’ option add to its user-friendliness.
Tips for using this technology for older adults
WhatsApp makes it even easier to access your favourite groups with the option to ‘pin’ them to your phone’s home screen. This can be done quickly by accessing any chat menu and clicking on ‘add shortcut’.
Should you prefer to use WhatsApp on desktop, follow the instructions on WhatsApp Web (on your computer) to sync your smartphone app to a bigger screen.
3. FaceTime
FaceTime is a popular video telephone service offered exclusively on Apple devices. It’s easy to use and you can quickly chat to any of your phone contacts if they also have an Apple iPhone, Mac or iPad.
Tips for using this technology for older adults
Although FaceTime has been around for some time, the ‘FaceTime group calls’ feature is less known. This allows you to video chat with multiple people at the same time—ideal for connecting with the whole family in one place.
4. Skype
Used by students, families, businesses and more, Skype is a handy platform that enables users to connect across the globe.
Skype is a free-to-use software which can be accessed online through the Skype website or as an app on your computer, smartphone or tablet. With it, you can send instant messages or have high-definition video or voice calls with others via an internet connection.
Because Skype originated as a dedicated service to phone and video calls, it is one of the best tools for overseas conversations. If the person you want to talk to has a Skype account, then you just need to add them as a contact to get in touch–handily you can even call landlines over Skype!
Tips for using this technology for older adults
Skype includes a clever, high-quality recording feature. You can use this feature to save your favourite chats and messages or record key video events, so you can capture and keep memorable moments.
5. Virtual Assistants
When it comes to accessible communication technology for seniors, a ‘virtual assistant’ can really come in handy! Devices like the Amazon Echo and Alexa—or Siri on Apple devices—work via voice command to make it easy to connect with your contacts.
While they’re often used to answer your voice queries, virtual assistants also double up as a way to send messages to or call loved ones. Simply connect your family and friends’ contact numbers to your accounts and you’re good to go.
Tips for using this technology for older adults
If you struggle to type texts or find a name in your contacts, virtual assistants operate via voice command, so you can do these tasks more quickly. This entirely hands-free approach makes it an excellent choice for people with arthritis or eye sight issues.
To use a virtual assistant, you’ll need a smart device or computer with internet access.
Socialise from home with McCarthy Stone
All of our self-contained retirement apartments and retirement bungalows provide beautiful spaces to put your feet up, relax and catch up with your contacts.
Should you prefer to socialise in person, our retirement communities can accommodate that too. With access to shared areas, including lounges, gardens and bistros (Retirement Living PLUS developments only), you’ll have plenty of opportunities to socialise with your friends and neighbours on your doorstep.
Plus, you can use all this technology to arrange for friends and family to stay overnight at your development’s hotel-style guest suite—ideal if you want to maximise your time together in person.
Find a retirement community near you, contact us online or call 0800 201 4811 for more information.
