Technology For Seniors: The rapid pace of technological evolution makes it difficult for senior citizens to keep up to it. However, technology today has been woven into the very fabric of life, making it nearly impossible to evade it. This article explores technology for seniors, where it can help them and where it falls short. Also discover the most potent way to reduce old-age related troubles.
Technology For Seniors Highlights
- Digital literacy among senior citizens, though still significant, has improved a lot in the last decade.
- A survey by 2024 survey by AARP in USA indicates about 56% of seniors use sms (text message) to message their loved ones everyday.
Image Source: AARP
- Can technology substitute real care and truly provide relief in our old age?
Why Should Seniors Use Technology?
Technology can seem intimidating to most senior citizens. However, in today’s technology-inclusive world, it does offer benefits. Some crucial points worth mentioning are:
Stay Connected to Loved Ones
It is easier to stay in touch via technology. Video calls through apps like Zoom, Skype or FaceTime allow face-to-face conversations, even from thousands of miles away. Social media platforms such as Facebook or WhatsApp offer ways to share photos, messages, and life updates with family and friends. Though technology may not combat loneliness completely, it does offer some relief.
Improve Safety and Independence
Smart home devices can give a feeling of living safer and more conveniently. Voice-activated assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Nest can be used to set medication reminders, turn off lights or even to call emergency contacts. Fall detection watches, home cameras and medical alert systems provide extra reassurance for senior citizens living alone or managing health conditions.
Access Health Information and Services
Technology has helped bring healthcare closer to home. Online doctor consultations, appointment bookings, prescription refilling of medicine and digital health tracking make managing medical needs easier. Again, this is more often used by senior citizens living alone. Fitness trackers and health apps can monitor heart rate, steps and sleep. It also monitors the daily activity levels, encouraging an overall healthier lifestyle.
Ease of Financial Transactions
With Digital India turning into a reality, digital banking is almost mandatory to be learnt. No doubt, brick and mortar models of bank with passbook and cheque book still exist, especially in rural India, technologically-advanced banking methods are slowly being learnt by senior citizens living in cities. Online or mobile banking also helps reduce their errands.
Listening to Spiritual Discourses
Though the majority of the time, apps such as YouTube, Facebook, Spotify, etc., are used to watch ‘entertainment’ videos and music, the most important use of technology is spiritual upliftment. Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj educates us that the True purpose of a human life is to attain salvation. With more time at their disposal during old age, using technology for spiritual benefits is an absolute necessity for senior citizens, that most either ignore or don’t realise.
Obstacles in the Digital Education of Senior Citizens
Although the benefits are clear, many seniors face challenges when trying to use modern technology. Understanding these obstacles helps us find better ways to support and encourage older adults.
- Fear of Making Mistakes: One of the biggest concerns is the fear of pressing the wrong button or breaking something.
- Physical Limitations: Vision problems, arthritis, or reduced mobility can make using small touch screens or keyboards difficult. Larger screens, adjustable font sizes, voice commands, and specially designed devices for seniors can make a world of difference.
- Lack of Confidence or Guidance: Many older adults did not grow up with technology and feel left out.
- Privacy and Security Concerns: Security and privacy always remain as primary and constant concerns emerging from technology. With the increasing number of online frauds and thefts, senior citizens remain skeptical about adopting way too much technology in their lives.
- Cost: This is a detrimental factor for those senior citizens, especially below poverty line.
Technology Classes for Seniors
In current times, there are several initiatives been taken to ensure digital literacy among senior citizens, such as:
- Free or sponsored workshops for various topics such as banking services, online healthcare, etc.
- There are also dedicated tutorials on various YouTube channels for the most technologically-comfortable senior citizens, educating them on important topics.
Best Devices and Tools for Seniors
Technology doesn’t have to be complicated. There are many easy-to-understand devices and apps that can be useful for elders too. Here are some excellent options of tech for seniors:
Easy-to-Use Smartphones
There are smartphones specifically made for older adults. They use large icons, have a loud volume and very simplified menus with no fancy features. The Jitterbug Smart series and Doro 8050 are two popular models. The user interface is extremely simple and built keeping in mind not to overwhelm senior adults.
Smartphones
For more tech-savvy senior citizens, iPhones and Android phones are always the options. In India, the entry of several Chinese smartphone sellers have enabled senior consumers to acquire smartphones without heavy investments. However, this still remains a challenge in rural India where senior citizens either don’t use the phone at all, or else use only a basic phone.
Tablets and iPads
Tablets are perfect for reading, video calling or browsing the web. Though the iPad is especially popular for its user-friendly interface, currently there are many affordable tablets available in India that senior citizens could use, instead of laptops.
Smart Home Devices
Smart speakers such as Amazon Echo or Google Nest function on voice commands, making it easy-to-use also for senior citizens who find it difficult to work a lot with their hands. With such an easy mechanism, the volume can be controlled, reminders can be set, news updates can be received, and home devices can also be controlled without touching anything. These can also help in emergencies.
Wearable Devices
Health conscious senior citizens maintain an active lifestyle most often. Smartwatches such as the Apple Watch or Fitbit can help monitor health, track steps, remind one to move, or even detect falls. Some models can call emergency contacts or show heart data to doctors.
Also Read: How to Manage Academic Workload Effectively
Best Devices and Tools for Senior Citizens Apart From Smartphones and Tablets
When speaking of technology, most often we restrict ourselves to just smartphones or AI and such devices or drivers of tech. However, even simple devices that have been manufactured as a result of technology must be taken into account. Here are some examples:
Door Security Bar
For senior citizens who stay alone or with a helper, this is a must-have tool. It helps block doors and sliding windows.
(Image Source: Sabre)
Toilet Safety Rails
Toilet safety rails are very useful to those senior citizens who struggle to sit and get up easily in toilets. It provides a strong support on both sides and can be permanently fixed to the toilet seat.
Image Source: GoSupps
Non-Skid Step Stool
It is a very sturdy step-like tool, fabricated for those who have difficulty in reaching objects placed higher. This can be very helpful for senior citizens, keeping avoidable injuries at bay. Typically such tools are multi-purpose and provide support while climbing in and out and moving up and down.
Image Source: Ubuy
Magnifying Glass with In-Built Light
This is especially helpful for reading minute labels, passbooks or, in general, any text that is difficult to read even with spectacles on or due to weak eyes. The combination of light and magnification reduces strain on the eyes for senior citizens.
Indoor security camera
An increasingly alarming rate of crimes against senior citizens warrants some surveillance at home. Indoor security cameras also allow other members of the family to have live footage access and keep a check on the senior citizens in their family.
Remote Control Holder
Though this holder is useful in every household, irrespective of age and ailments. But, it is especially useful for senior citizens as it can house all remotes in a single place, and it is easy to place on the sofa handle or can also be wall-mounted.
Stand Assist
Also known as a stand assist aid, this tool provides support to elders with difficulty in getting up and sitting down due to weak bones of rheumatism. It is believed to be safer than the arm rests of chairs or sofas, due to specific dimensions and ergonomics. It also helps to keep standing.
Image Source: Mobility Zone
Neck and Back Massager
Typically sold as neck and back massages, these devices also have a controlled heating option that offer warmth while massaging. Massagers can be useful for senior citizens to ease out pains related to old-age in joints or due to stiffness. Most massagers can also be used on other body parts such as the lower back, feet and calves – where majority of the pain resides.
Image Source: Bakerplus
Does the Need for Technology for Seniors Indicate Something More?
Though society now widely accepted that technology for seniors is no longer a luxury but a necessity, we often overlook a far more serious truth of life – the inherent difficulties of old age.
Despite all our progress, our efforts do not completely alleviate the suffering of aging. Instead, they merely help us endure it. The loneliness of old age, the silent battles and the constant physical decline are all masked with conveniences. They are not healed.
Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj sheds light on a truth few are willing to face and accept – while ageing is inevitable, the desire to remain youthful never truly leaves us. Deep within, we long for strength, vitality and the joy of youth. So why is the human journey destined to end in frailty and death always? Why are we born into a world where the end is only decay?
Old age is not just a number, instead it is a ticking reminder of us inching closer to mortality. But where does this unending and excruciating cycle of birth and death originate? What is really the root cause of all our mortal suffering?
The real solution doesn’t lie in innovations or devices. It lies in transcending the suffering itself. And that path, the one that truly overcomes the pain of old age, can only be shown by a Tatvdarshi Sant (Complete Saint) who holds the superlative divine knowledge not just to free the soul from the cycle of suffering, but provide real-time solutions to heal.
Technology can make life easier. But only true spiritual wisdom can make it meaningful and trouble-free.
Why Technology Fails To Comfort the Soul in Old-age
Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj unveils a sobering and grounding truth about our existence that shows us a mirror we do not wish to look into. We are part of a domain of 21-universes, including planet Earth. This region is not a haven. It is a veiled mortal trap. Every soul born here is destined to age and eventually die. And of all life’s stages, old age is the most painful, the most vulnerable, and also the most ignored.
This suffering is not accidental. It is a thoughtfully-executed deception of Kaal Brahm (Satan), the lord of 21-universes. His sole aim is to entangle souls in the illusion that there is no God, by subjecting them to relentless pain through the outcomes of their karmas. Pain and suffering, combined with no actual relief, are turning people towards atheism.
But there is a way out.
The only path to escape the agony of old age, and the entire cycle of death and rebirth, is through the authentic worship of Supreme God Kabir. We can obtain this path of worship by seeking refuge in His chosen authorised messenger, particularly renowned as a Tatvdarshi Sant (Complete Saint). Fortunately for us, we are born into an era where His Tatvdarshi Sant is present in the form of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
He is the only one manifesting the hidden secrets to liberation of a soul, through a lesser known yet authentic way of worship, beyond the world of karmic bondage. Through His divine guidance, countless souls are not just finding peace in this life, but are securing eternal freedom beyond it.
One succumbs to the will of Satan (Kaal Brahm) by refusing to take the refuge of a Tatvdarshi Sant. Under his dominion, even the comforts of technology cannot save us from emotional isolation, physical grief or spiritual emptiness. Gadgets might keep us company, but they cannot replace the fulfilment of the divine connection with our True Creator.
When one takes shelter under Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, life transforms without an iota of doubt. Old age becomes a time of grace and worship, not despair. Children begin to care, not neglect. By placing your faith into the worship given by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, you will soon find yourself in peace, overcoming every sort of fear.
Despite assisting us, giving comfort and support in certain situations, technology can never take away the primary cause of our suffering. Only the true worship of God Kabir, bestowed by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, can offer genuine and everlasting relief in this world and lead us to complete salvation.
Turn your old age into a blessing by seeking refuge under Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj and get your welfare done at the earliest.
Technology For Seniors FAQs
Q1: What is the best technology for seniors?
Answer: There are many technologies for senior citizens today, but it would depend on the specific requirements.
Q2: Does technology for seniors eliminate the pain of old-age?
Answer: No, technology does not eliminate the pain of ageing, it can at the most help get through the pain.
