According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), senior citizens contribute a total of $7.6 trillion to the economy of the United States. That makes them a significant financial force in the country. Reports also claim that this pattern will continue to rise as older individuals will most likely double in the next 40 years. They can take up about 20% of the general population.
Growing older actively, elegantly, and freely is vital to these people. Technological advancements are hailed as the significant disruptor that can enable them to pursue their objectives. Nowadays, several innovations exist to make life simpler for aging loved ones, from appliances that assist them in their chores to alarm systems installed for safety.
With this in mind, it’s understandable how wrapping these gadgets in a gift box has grown in popularity. It creates a substantial opportunity for business owners to develop more for their convenience.
Elders meet technology
Older adults have repeatedly demonstrated that they can adapt to the ever-changing technological world as effectively as anyone else. In fact, more than half of seniors purchased a piece of new technology equipment in 2019. These range from a smartphone, computer, or home automation gadget. In addition, once elders have access to the Internet, the online world has become a regular part of their everyday life.
The pandemic illustrates how fast elders mastered the new technology to keep in touch with friends and family. They also utilize and organize video calls and participate in telemedicine consultations with their doctors.
For social interaction
The power to interact and share so much with so little effort is one of the significant advantages of these innovations for aging loved ones. In addition, these gadgets are simple to use and can be customized to meet the user’s specific needs.
For example, visually challenged seniors can adjust the icons and brightness of their screens for a better user experience. They can also set their messages, documents, emails, and even books to be read aloud by their device. This eliminates the need to squint through small texts manually.
There are also several messaging, social networking, and video calling applications available. The majority is affordable, if not free. It enables older people to stay connected with friends and family even if they can’t go out or their relatives are miles away from them. These interactions are beneficial for them as they assist elders in overcoming isolation and depression, which are frequent among seniors who live alone.
For food convenience
With aging comes the importance of maintaining good nutrition and a healthy diet to avoid sickness and ensure that the body receives the nutrients it requires. However, some seniors may have problems cooking for themselves or may not have the luxury of fetching fresh ingredients from the market.
That’s where delivery service apps come in. Older adults can take advantage of these apps for their convenience and comfort. They can have their grocery supplies or cooked meals delivered directly to their door. This is regardless of whether they are experienced in the kitchen or trying a new restaurant in town.
For mobility solutions
Older adults who cannot or do not wish to drive may want to take advantage of the wide range of transportation applications and mobile services available. All they need to do is input their location with their preferred destination and select a ride using the application of their choice. After that, they can sit back and enjoy the journey. These services are perfect for older adults who wish to live more independently but cannot drive due to personal or medical reasons.
For health convenience
Elders who choose to spend their golden years in their homes should consider medical alert systems, particularly if they plan on living alone. These solutions can give them and their loved ones peace of mind. They can track the senior’s health status, heart rate, sugar levels, and the time to take medicine, whether at home or on the move.
Elderly individuals can also connect to a contact center to chat with a qualified expert for their queries, concerns, and emergencies. For convenience and ease of access at all times, they may choose to wear them around the neck or on their wrist.
An older adult’s lifespan has seen significant advancements in technological innovation. They’ve seen people land on the moon, medical improvements that change people’s lives, and the emergence of digital culture. These innovations have enticed most older individuals to be more at ease at home as they age and enjoy their retirement years.
