Technology can play an essential role in improving the well-being of the elderly by helping them stay connected, informed, and engaged and by providing support for their physical, emotional, and social needs. Therefore It is essential to remove the digital literacy barriers of them.
The use of technology can play a significant role in improving the well-being of the elderly in several ways:
Health monitoring: Technology can be used to monitor the health of the elderly, such as tracking vital signs and symptoms and alerting relatives and healthcare providers to any changes that may need attention.
Communication: Technology can be used to improve communication between the elderly and their loved ones, healthcare providers, and other support networks, which can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Entertainment and mental stimulation: Technology can also be used to provide entertainment and mental stimulation, such as access to books, games, and videos.
Access to information: Technology can be used to provide access to information and resources that can help the elderly stay informed and engaged in their communities.
Independence: Technology can also help the elderly maintain their independence by making it easier for them to access information, communicate with others, and perform daily tasks.
Medication management: Technology can be used to remind elderly people when to take their medication, keep track of the medications they have taken and when, and alert their caretakers if necessary.
Safety: Technology can be used to monitor the elderly's safety, such as detecting falls or changes in mobility and alerting caregivers or emergency services if necessary.
Physical activity: Technology can also be used to encourage physical activity and exercise by providing access to fitness programs or tracking physical activity levels.
All this is accessible only if elderyl have the digital literacy to do so.
The percentage of the elderly population that is digitally literate varies in Europe. According to Eurostat, in 2020, the percentage of people aged 65 to 74 years who reported that they never use the internet is around 30% in the European Union (EU) and the percentage increased to 50% in the age group 75 or older. This means that around 70% of the people aged 65 to 74 years and around 50% of the people aged 75 or older are digitally literate in the EU. It's important to note that digital literacy rates may vary between countries and may also be affected by factors such as education level, income, and access to technology. Additionally, digital literacy is a complex concept and it can be defined and measured in different ways, so percentages may vary depending on the source of data and the methods used to collect and analyze it.
Several strategies can be used to remove the digital literacy barrier for the elderly to have access to life-improving technology. Some of these include:
Providing training and support: It's essential to provide training and support to help elderly individuals learn how to use technology. This can include things like computer classes, workshops, or one-on-one tutoring.
Making the technology user-friendly: It's important to design technology that is easy to use, with simple instructions and intuitive interfaces. This can include things like large buttons and easy-to-read text.
Simplifying the technology: Many elderly individuals may be intimidated by the complexity of some technologies. It is important to simplify the technology as much as possible. For example, using simple mobile phones or tablets with apps that are easy to navigate.
Highlighting the benefits: It's important to communicate the benefits of using technology, such as improved communication with family and friends, access to information and entertainment, and improved health and well-being.
Addressing concerns: It's important to address any concerns the elderly person may have about technology, such as security, cost, or privacy.
Creating a sense of community: Creating a sense of community around technology use can be a powerful motivator. This can be done by setting up online groups, forums or social media groups where elderly people can share tips and advice and support each other in their use of technology.
Encouraging use in daily life: It's important to encourage the elderly to use technology in their daily lives, such as using technology to communicate with family, stay informed, and access health information.
Providing hands-on experience: Many elderly individuals may be more comfortable learning about technology through hands-on experience. It is important to provide opportunities for them to experience the technology firsthand.
Making technology affordable and accessible: It's important to ensure that technology is affordable and accessible to the elderly population. This can include things like providing subsidies or financial assistance to help lower the cost of technology or providing technology in public spaces such as libraries or community centers.
About Aceso ACESO is a patient-centric solution for smart and sustainable healthcare, employing a co-creative approach to realize integrated health and oral-care platform in which intelligent devices use data analytics for adaptable health and well-being. ACESO will monitor parameters related to physical health (blood pressure, glucose, heart rate, oxygen saturation, etc.), activity, sleep, and oral hygiene in an integrative manner which will provide primary users with personalized and adaptive feedback extracted by the underlying artificial intelligence engine. A patient-centric approach that actively involves users in maintaining their health will bring clear benefits for the elderly and caregivers. Aceso is funded by AAL. More about Aceso... About AAL AAL- Ageing Well in the Digital World - is a funding program that aims to create a better quality of life for older people and to strengthen industrial opportunities in the field of healthy aging technology and innovation. More about AAL. Contact: www.aal-aceso.eu/contact