Social Media for the Elderly
A new study out of England and Italy finds that when the elderly are trained in the use of social media as well as Skype and email, they perform better cognitively and experience improved health. Ironically, social media for the elderly is a very good thing.
During a two year period, 120 seniors in the UK and Italy aged 65 and above were given specially designed computer training. They were compared against a control group that did not received any. Among those that used these tools, the mental and physical capacity improved. This contrasted with a steady decline experienced in the control group.
Humans Are Social Animals
Hypotheses as to why this occurred include: “Human beings are social animals,” as stated by Thomas Morton who led the study out of the University of Exeter’s psychology department. It is amazing how satisfying our basic social needs can have synergistic effects for our overall health. One woman reported feeling “invigorated” rather than “slipping into a slower pace” and caring more about her appearance and losing weight. Three quarters of the test group with computer training found email and Skype useful, but fewer than half liked Facebook as much.
Elderly Internet Use
The Office for National Statistics in the UK reports that the elderly over 65 have increased their internet use. It rose from 9% in 2006 to an astounding 37% in 2013. With the elderly population in Europe set to grow from 17% to 30% by 2060. Therefore, marrying their well being with this ever growing usage of technology can have dramatic effects on their quality of life.
Those in the eldercare field feel that the computer could be a barrier to entry for many of the elderly. Moreover, even the use of that word makes them tense. Shifting the focus of technology adoption from the computers to tablets might be more effective since tablets tend to be more user-friendly.
Solution to Loneliness
A major problem of the elderly is a devastating feeling of loneliness and isolation. Therefore, encouraging new technology adoption as an avenue for its alleviation is a winning solution. Keeping in touch with old friends and relatives is one major benefit. Keeping current with the events of the day helps the elderly remain feeling vital. The counter intuitive marriage of the elderly with technology might be the perfect antidote to what ails them.
David York Home Healthcare Agency is very sensitive to the potential of feeling isolated and makes every effort to send caring and compassionate home health aides into the client’s home. David York Home Agency is well versed in the problems of the elderly and all factors related to eldercare services. We provide certified home health aide services for the elderly in their home. The agency is abreast of all the latest guidelines and trends for seniors. We would be happy to discuss your case with you. Please call for a free consultation today at 908.373.5300 or visit our website. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
