Hey Siri, call my granddaughter

The internet is intertwined in almost every aspect of our lives.

We can now bank online, shop online, stream shows online, access services online and even stay connected online. Which is perhaps why seniors are becoming more and more comfortable with technology.

According to research by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, the most common device used by those 65 years and older is a mobile phone, and more than 50 per cent of older people are using social media to communicate and connect.

The research also indicates that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, seniors have either started or increased activities such as video calling and telehealth. For those under public health orders, technology has become their only way to communicate with not only their medical professionals, but also their loved ones.

And their confidence is growing – 34 per cent of Australians over the age of 60 say they are more confident with technology, largely thanks to the outbreak.

Staying connected

The pandemic changed everything for many seniors, whether they are still at home or residing in aged or assisted care homes.

At times, children were allowed to visit for care purposes, but grandchildren weren’t allowed inside, not to mention great-grandchildren who largely had no hope of visiting. So, for many families, technology has become the only tether.

But let’s look at the positives. Did your grandchild have a special school Shabbat or demonstration Seder? Where usually it would be just parents attending, with technology all family members can join, including grandparents and great-grandparents to enjoy the naches.

Many seniors have also been able to join interstate or overseas weddings or simchas that perhaps they wouldn’t have been able to get to under normal circumstances.

And it’s not just about family. Through technology, seniors are able to remain connected to friends, reconnect with those around the world, keep up their hobbies as they move online, and even remain on top of their bills and banking as they became more and more confident in the online world.

Voice-activated technology such as Google Home and Alexa is also making it easier for seniors to use technology.

“Hey Google” or “OK Alexa” are common phrases, with everything from lights to televisions to music, controlled simply using voice commands. Want to watch TV or listen to music? All you have to do is ask. The technology will do the hard work for you.

Safety first

Technology is a wonderful thing for connecting with family and friends, and keeping seniors engaged with the world around them, but it can also be very helpful when it comes to safety.

Throughout the pandemic, many doctors closed their physical doors, cutting a lot of patients off from their medical teams. But, thanks to telehealth, and the confidence of the older population in using technology, the connection was largely uninterrupted. Not only that, but smartphones are also becoming more advanced with many in-built features or downloadable apps that measure heart rate, fall-risk, sleep quality and even hearing.

Some smart devices have automatic call functions, which prompt users to call emergency services or emergency contacts if required. And it’s not just seniors living independently at home that are benefiting from technology. Many aged care or assisted living homes are starting to embrace better technology so they can focus on what matters most: care. There are a plethora of apps and online management systems that can be used to design care systems and plans, deal with administration and even help monitor residents better so facilities can ensure they are providing the best, most targeted care.

In some areas around the world, aged care homes are even introducing robotics to keep families and friends connected with loved ones in lockdown. Robots, which are equipped with video screens, enter a resident’s room, and announce who is on the phone, prompting the screen to turn on. This means that even residents who aren’t tech-savvy can stay in touch with loved ones, near and far.

Download these apps

It’s hard to be separated from our family, but there are plenty of fun ways to connect. And they’re sitting in the palm of your hand. Check out these great apps.

• WORDS WITH FRIENDS: Keep your mind sharp with online scrabble. Challenge friends or family members to a game, and each of you can take your turn in your own time. Just be careful, this game has been known to bring out the competitiveness in everyone.
• TOGETHER: Together was specifically created for children to interact with their grandparents who lived in other cities or countries. It offers playful and educational activities that you can enjoy together, including memory games, drawing and bingo, and you can even read your grandchild a bedtime story with the pre-installed library of books.
• LUMOSITY: Brain health is so important. Sharpen skills such as memory, processing speed and problem solving with daily exercises for your mind. Best of all, it’s backed by science.
• AUDIBLE: Audible is great for those who prefer to listen to books rather than read the words. It can especially be good for seniors whose eyesight is starting to fade, or for those who want to simply sit out in the sunshine with their eyes closed while enjoying a good book.
• READEO BOOKCHAT: Turning screen time into story time, BookChat offers an interactive experience for all members of the family. The pages turn in real-time and family members can still see each other on the top of the screen, meaning you can still see the joy on your grandchild’s face when you read them the funniest part of the book.
• KAHOOT: Keen trivia buff? Kahoot is a great game to get the whole family involved. Create your own Kahoot quiz game and share a Kahoot live with everyone. Or you can even send Kahoot challenges to others so they can enjoy the experience when they want.
• SPOTIFY: Spotify puts the whole world’s library of music right into your pocket. The free version means you’ll listen to advertisements, but it’s a great way to enjoy music and podcasts from any genre or era. Alternatively, sign up with a subscription and you’ll be able to listen ad-free and offline.

Search for the apps in the Apple App Store or Google Play Apps.