Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing about how technology was both improving our lives and ruining everything – particularly our health and our happiness. And while that may be true in some instances, the coronavirus pandemic has shown us that technology can actually be our lifeline to the word at large and leave us feeling more relaxed, happy, healthy and connected.
“We know that technology overload can bring down our mental, physical and emotional health,” says Michelle Pelham, Executive Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua, a memory care assisted living community in Nashua, NH. “For example, we may feel sad because our friends show off amazing lifestyles on social media, or we end up being lazy because we’re too busy binging Netflix or we feel depressed and helpless when we read about all the bad things going on in the world.”
But we’re also seeing how technology can be used to bring people together, make them laugh and make them feel part of something larger than themselves. That’s particularly true for seniors, says Michelle.
“There are so many technological advances out there these days that have been designed specifically to help seniors age well, stay healthy and stay active,” she says. “These days, there is everything from apps that allow seniors to monitor blood sugar to ones that help families manage caregiving tasks for a loved one.”
Beyond senior-specific tech, there are so many ways that technology helps us connect, feed our brains and make our lives easier. Michelle says that as the baby boomer generation continues to age, we will more than likely continue to see technological advances to help the 62+ crowd remain as active and healthy as possible. “The boomers are redefining what it means to be a senior, just like they redefined so much else during their lifetimes,” she says.
If you’re looking for opportunities where tech can make your life, or the life of someone you love, happier and healthier, here are six ways you can “plug in” to upsize your lifestyle, health and happiness.
1. Connect with faraway friends and family.
Never has social media or connective technology been more important than now. Seniors, a population who is the most at-risk for developing and experiencing complications from coronavirus, are discovering rapidly how things like Facebook, Facetime, Skype and even basic smartphones can allow them to stay in touch with the people they care about – with virtual face-to-face meetings. Even if you can’t physically touch your loved one, social media and other technologies can allow you to “be in the room” with them, which can be a wonderful thing for isolated seniors.
2. Eat well and take care of tasks.
Something as simple as going to the grocery store can quickly become a chore for a senior who’s immunocompromised or simply has a hard time getting around. Enter the gig economy. These days, grocery delivery and takeout services like DoorDash, Instacart and others enable seniors to safely shop and receive everything from prescriptions to weekly groceries to their favorite restaurant foods all without having to leave the house. Malnutrition can be an issue for seniors who live in a food desert or who aren’t able to get to the grocery store as often as they like – but when ordering fresh fruit and vegetables is as easy as pressing a few buttons, it’s a lot easier to make wise food choices.
3. Stay physically fit.
Exercise is important. We all know that. But when even walking outside is difficult (or seems too big of a risk), how can you get your blood pumping in order to stay healthy? Why, it’s as simple as heading to YouTube or turning on Netflix. There are literally hundreds of thousands of online classes, channels and exercise streams that require no special equipment and are accessible to anyone with a computer and an Internet connection. Find a channel that speaks to you, and you’re able to workout anytime, from anywhere.
4. Connect with your community.
While people who simply “lurk” on social media sites like Nextdoor, Facebook or Instagram tend to be more depressed, those who engage on the sites (posting, commenting or even simply “liking” posts) tend to have lower levels of depression. This suggests that engaging with others online can be good for us because it’s a form of social connection. Just make sure that you’re not, as they say, “feeding the trolls” or stirring up arguments that will raise your blood pressure.
5. Learn something new.
Ever wanted to learn a new language? Take a college class? Pick up woodworking or even learn how to fix plumbing? Simply type in “how to fill-in-the-blank-here” into Google, and you’ll find everything from step-by-step blog articles to how-to videos and even full-on classes … all online. Seniors who keep their minds sharp by learning new things or simply doing activities that they enjoy have a lower risk of depression, better physical health and can even stave off cognitive impairment.
6. Stay on top of health-related stories and information.
Many seniors have at least one chronic health condition that needs to be monitored regularly. Back in the day, getting medical or health-related information required visiting a doctor (and paying a doctor’s fee) or delving into some awfully brainiac research. However, today there is a preponderance of health-related information on the Internet. From research journals to personal journeys to self-help sites to message boards and more, it’s never been easier to get information about your health and find new, proven ways to stay motivated and stay healthy.
“Technology is neither a good nor an evil – it’s a tool, and if we use it wisely, it can be a great benefit for our lives,” says Michelle. “Today’s seniors have more information than ever at their fingertips, and can use it to help them live happier, healthier lives, which results in a fulfilling lifestyle, no matter how old they are.”
Now, that’s happy news to share, indeed.
A Fulfilling Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua provides expert memory care within an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community offers a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity, independence and fulfilment in daily life.
Dedicated Memory Care
Our programs, care and services are all designed to celebrate our residents’ lives and support each resident’s individual strengths and abilities. No matter what stage of memory loss a resident may be experiencing, our memory care professionals work to maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents every day.
Stunning, Purpose-Built Design
Featuring a stunning, purposeful design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua is so much more than a beautiful place to live . . . It’s a community focused on enriching the lives of our residents and helping their families enjoy meaningful relationships with them. Our evidence-based design features, including soft paint colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations, provide a soothing and easy-to-navigate environment.
Contact us today to learn more.