How Technology Is Helping Seniors Cope with Isolation

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to sweep across the world, a cohesive effort to slow the transmission rate through social isolation has become critically important. This is particularly necessary for aging adults who are at risk of severe complications.

However, self-isolation comes at a cost: disruption of our lives and mental health.

Ironically, senior adults, who stand to gain the most from public health isolation methods seem to be one of the biggest communities impacted by isolation.

How Isolation Can Cause Suffering

The “loneliness epidemic” has become a growing concern for the elderly. Studies have shown that social isolation can have a detrimental impact on older adults’ health and well-being since it puts them at a greater risk of depression and anxiety.

What’s more, research has shown that chronic loneliness can be as hazardous to health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. These facts are staggering when coupled with findings that nearly 43% of older adults experience chronic loneliness.

Self-isolation also affects elderly individuals who do not have close family or friends to take care of them, and rely on social care or the support of voluntary services.

How Technology Can Help

Providers of social and healthcare services are considering several tech-related strategies to foster greater connection amongst elder communities. While it can’t replace in-person interaction, technology can still be a part of the situation.

The IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) researched how loneliness impacts personal and social well-being in seniors, outlining how technology can play a significant role in driving positive change.

One such tech device is an eight-inch, fully-configured tablet that comes in an easy-to-open box for seniors. It has photos and contacts preloaded on the device by the family, and requires no passwords for setup. It allows people on the approved list to send messages and features live support person on-call 24/7.

 

Some organizations have also rounded up staff members who offer one-on-one tech support to seniors to help them attend virtual classes ranging from chair yoga and ceramics to memoir writing.

Indoor security cameras are another way to help friends and families of the elderly check-in on their senior loved ones remotely without potentially exposing them to infection.  

Moreover, tech companies have come out with Virtual Reality solutions that allow seniors to interact with loved ones virtually, even if they aren’t in the same physical space.

If you’re having trouble providing the best care to your senior loved ones, consider speaking to the senior care specialists at Natomas Family Practice in Sacramento.

Since it is a family medicine center, the specialists provide compassionate senior care and guide the family on how they can help their loved ones.

The Natomas Family Practice team also includes women’s health care specialists, pediatric specialists, immunizations specialists, and weight loss specialists.

Reach out to them for more information.