Technology is everywhere. From how we talk to each other, order groceries, and get medical care, to how we read the news or unwind with a good movie, digital tools are a big part of everyday life. For younger people who grew up with smartphones and tablets in their hands, it all feels natural. But for many older adults, jumping into the tech world later in life can be a little intimidating.
That said, the rewards are worth it. At Decatur House, an assisted living residence in Sandwich Village on Cape Cod, we see it firsthand: with the right support, older adults can use technology to stay connected, feel safer, keep learning, and enjoy life even more.
Let’s dive into how tech can make life better for seniors, and how to overcome some of the challenges that might get in the way.
Why Technology is Great for Older Adults
- Staying in Touch with Family and Friends– One of the best parts of modern tech is how easy it makes staying connected. For seniors who live far from family or have friends spread out across the country, video calls on Zoom or FaceTime can be a game changer. Seeing the grandkids’ faces or catching up with an old friend in real-time can lift spirits and ease loneliness.
- Easy Access to Healthcare – Getting to the doctor’s office can be hard, especially during bad weather or if you no longer drive. With telehealth, many appointments can happen right from your couch. Plus, apps and wearables (like a Fitbit or Apple Watch) can track your heart rate, remind you to take your meds, and even alert someone if something’s wrong. One of our convenient in-house services at Decatur House includes a partnership with Veritas Direct Health. They provide blood pressure monitoring machines to participating residents that automatically report back when there is substantial fluctuation and it alerts them to reach out to the resident and check in on them.
- Safety and Peace of Mind – Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) are wearable buttons you can press to call for help, some even have GPS, so your loved ones know where you are. Smart devices can also detect falls or automatically turn on lights, helping you stay safe. At Decatur House every resident wears a PERS and every room is equipped with a safety check system. Staff on each shift are required to do safety checks on all residents. This information is then sent to a computer in the nursing office to let them know this task is being completed. Our response rate it stellar – just a few minutes is all it takes for us to get to residents!
- Getting Around and Eating Well – If driving’s no longer in the cards, apps like Uber or Lyft can help you get where you need to go. And when it comes to food, delivery services like Instacart or DoorDash make it easy to get groceries or a hot meal delivered right to your door. At Decatur House one of our favorite moments is when friends Larry and Barbara were craving a pizza parlor pizza and ordered delivery for their own pizza party!
- Fun and Learning – There’s so much to explore online! You can stream movies, watch cooking shows, listen to music, learn yoga, or even take a virtual art class. YouTube is a treasure trove of how-to videos, from fixing a leaky faucet to learning how to knit.
- Staying Active and Healthy – Fitness apps and trackers can help you stay on top of your movement, sleep, and even hydration. There are tons of apps and YouTube channels with senior-friendly workouts that are low-impact and easy to follow.
- Reassurance for Families – Tech also helps family members keep an eye out, even from afar. Some systems send alerts if something seems off, or let caregivers check in on medication reminders and health info. It can be a big relief for loved ones who want to stay connected and informed.
But at Decatur House we Know that Technology can be Frustrating
New technology can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re constantly being told to download this, install that, or update something. But the good news is that with a little support and some patience, it does get easier. Here’s how we help our residents at Decatur House and how you can help the older adults in your life.
Tips to Make Tech More Fun
- Start with What They Love – Don’t start with a complicated app or gadget. Start with something they’re interested in. If someone loves books, try an e-reader. If they miss seeing the grandkids, show them how to video call. At Decatur House, our Operations Director, Mikaela Strazzullo, is often spotted helping residents set up their iPads, figuring out their TV remotes, or troubleshooting the little things that can be big roadblocks. — See the photo of Mikaela helping Connie with her iPad — Mikaela’s our in-house tech whisperer!
- Choose Devices Made for Seniors – There are smartphones and tablets made specifically for older users. They usually have bigger text, simpler menus, and easier navigation. The Grand Pad is a great example. Many apps also have accessibility settings you can tweak for comfort.
- Hands-On Help Makes a Huge Difference – Trying to figure things out alone can be discouraging. That’s why hands-on help is so important. Whether it’s from family, friends, or a local tech class, having someone walk you through it step-by-step makes it all less intimidating.
- Set It Up for Success – Before handing over a device, take a few minutes to personalize it. Make the text larger, add shortcuts to favorite apps, and install anything useful ahead of time. Pre-program important contacts, like family and emergency numbers, to make everything feel more familiar.
- Talk About Online Safety – We all get weird emails or texts these days, and it’s important to know what’s legit and what’s not. Teach your loved ones how to spot scams, use strong passwords, and stay safe online.
Final Thoughts: It’s Never Too Late to Learn
With a little help and encouragement, older adults can use digital tools to stay connected, stay safe, and live more fully.
At Decatur House, we believe that learning new things keeps us all young at heart. Whether you’re an older adult curious about tech, a family member hoping to help, or a caregiver offering support, know this: small steps make a big difference.
