How can technology help cure loneliness in seniors?

It's an image as old as the hills. A senior squints their eyes, holds their phone comically far from their face, and asks ‘How do you work this thing’? Even when seniors begin to get the hang of social media, younger generations can't help but laugh as they do away with the expected etiquette. They flock to comment sections and air their grievances to whoever will listen, type in all capitals and use an absurd amount of punctuation marks. It's both wholesome and hilarious.

Images: Facebook.com

Older adults are (often wrongly) considered to be slow to adapt to new technology. This inexperience may make them hesitate when reaching for the phone or tablet and can cause them to feel overwhelmed or incompetent. But for those who put in the work, interacting with technology can empower them to experience ageing in a more positive way. While they might struggle sometimes, having access to a wealth of new technology can have a profound impact on their quality of life. 

While anti-wrinkle creams and botox treatments might lead its audiences to believe otherwise, ageing is a normal part of life. With it comes various physical and cognitive changes, like reduced reaction time, mobility, and dexterity. At the same time, many seniors will experience adverse events like bereavement, loss of independence, and a lack of purpose after retiring. 

Failure to manage these changes can lead to an increased likelihood of developing mental and physical health issues. The findings of an article in the American Journal for Geriatric Psychiatry reveal that prolonged loneliness can put seniors at an increased risk of death, coronary heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a pivotal time for older adults. Even though social distancing and isolation requirements affected every age group, there's no doubt seniors were hit the hardest. Not only are they more vulnerable to the consequences of loneliness, but they’re dependent on family members or community services for physical and mental support. Without this support, they can fall victim to anxiety, depression, and paranoia.

Learning to use technology can be a daunting prospect for some seniors. The bright lights and bold colours can cause eye strain, passwords can be hard to remember, and user interfaces can be overwhelming. These difficulties are further compounded by sensory impairment, reduced dexterity, and focus. Musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis can also impede fine motor skills and complicate the handling of electronic devices. 

Learning to use new technologies, especially if they weren't early adopters, can prove to be a struggle. Older adults are not only hesitant to adapt, but they will likely only do so if they think it’ll benefit their lives.

In a study conducted by Pew Research, 77% of seniors said they’d need someone to help them learn how to use social media. This same study indicates that the payoff is well worth the struggle. 81% of seniors who use social media say they socialise (either in person, online, or over the phone) on a daily or near-daily basis. Despite how reluctant older adults may be to adapt, integrating technology in a way that suits them can have positive effects on their overall well-being.

A 2016 study revealed that older adults who used social media had fewer symptoms of chronic disease, mental illness and lower levels of loneliness. In addition to the mental and physical health benefits, technology can bring positive change to seniors' lives. It streamlines day-to-day activities, bolsters connections between distant grandchildren, friends, and relatives, and encourages seniors to take control of their health.

For many older adults, the relationships formed in the workplace fostered a sense of community. They could discuss upcoming work-related and personal issues with colleagues and derive value from feeling part of a team. If older adults do not have any other communities they can reap value from, it can lead to a lack of purpose come retirement. 

Having a social network is important. Not only can it help seniors feel supported in times of hardship, but it can also keep their minds fresh and give them events to look forward to. The vast majority of young people are part of an online community. For every niche corner of the internet, there are Reddit threads and Facebook groups for it. Some share unsung home-cooked recipes, while others provide sewing or knitting patterns. If an interest exists, there’s usually a community of like-minded people surrounding it. Discussion forums or groups online can create a conversational space and foster a sense of community. 

These online communities are especially useful for older adults who cannot attend in-person gatherings. Simply chatting with other users who are well-versed in their niche can help seniors have stimulating, reciprocal conversations that help keep their interests alive and their minds alert. 

For older adults who are willing and able to attend in-person gatherings, use Facebook to search for any local groups of interest. Think fitness, gardening, baking, or church small groups, for example. Group activities in art, exercise, and writing can reduce feelings of isolation, increase mental sharpness, and help form new friendships!

Before the days of Threads and TikTok, social media was mainly used to keep in touch with distant relatives. But as the passage of time went on, social media evolved. Pokes, sunburnt filters, and Google+ circles were traded for ads, streams, and influencers. One thing that remains the same is that its users still look to deepen their relationships and encourage others to learn, communicate, and grow. 

Even though technology has moved forward, many seniors have been left behind. In a survey that investigated the relationship between social media and loneliness in older adults, it found that only 18% of seniors would feel comfortable learning social media by themselves.

Families generally do not live intergenerationally like they did in previous decades. Even though there is currently a rise in intergenerational living thanks to the cost of living crisis, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Families might move away from their hometown in exchange for a cheaper cost of living or lower population density. Without a tight-knit family unit, older adults should look to be more proactive in maintaining community. Engaging with friends, grandkids, and other relatives online or over the phone can reduce feelings of isolation. Community is not just face-to-face contact anymore, so it's important to make use of technology to maintain and strengthen relationships.

A positive outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic was that it popularised online health appointments. Even though most older adults prefer face-to-face appointments, telehealth services can be a saving grace for seniors with mobility issues or chronic pain. They can help seniors stay better informed about their health, as they're able to access quality healthcare without leaving the comfort of their homes. They still get to see their GP, specialist, or psychologist but do not have to deal with the stress of long waiting times or travel. 

Digital therapy sessions are popular among young people who have moved away from home but still prefer to see their regular psychologist. Plenty of therapy practices now offer online programs or appointments to their patients. This way, seniors can learn how to best manage their mental or physical symptoms without leaving their homes.

Many also opt for wearable health monitors, which allow both their loved ones and themselves to keep track of their vital signs or communicate in the event of a fall.

As the body gets older, it depends on medication to manage changes in biological function. Older people have set routines around which medication they take. They might take certain ones at night, and some in the morning. Everybody can forget to take their medications, and seniors are no different. Virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa can be used to set reminders, so they can remind their future selves to take their medication. It’s as simple as saying, ‘Hey Alexa, remind me to take my medication tonight with dinner’.  

This lightens the mental load of having to remember which medications have or haven't been taken. There’s ‘someone’ there to remind them so they don’t forget. Even though there’s no substitute for the voice or the touch of a family member, using technology to pick up the slack can make older adults feel a little less lonely, especially if they live by themselves.  

Virtual assistants can also be used to play music and make phone calls. Life can be difficult for older adults with dexterity, eyesight, or joint issues. These growing pains can make interacting with technology hard, especially if they’re related to a health condition or chronic disease. With virtual assistants, seniors can still reap the benefits of technology. They can listen to radio stations and music from their youth, and talk to their family and friends.

While seniors can be hesitant to play with new technology, there’s plenty of research that indicates the struggle is well worth it. Technology can connect them with distant friends and family, help to form new friendships based on shared interests and encourage them to take control of their physical, mental, and emotional health.