Backdrop:

Over last few centuries, technology has had a significant impact on lives of human beings in all spheres of action. Starting from industrial revolution, invention of electricity, and then explosion in internet and communication technology have dramatically changed the way not only the businesses operate but also individuals live and spend time. But for elders it has been a boom. We may still remember our parents writing a letter to us when we were young (in 1960s), delivering it at post office and then waiting days together to get reply. We cannot forget our parents spending hours together for a telephone connection to speak to us through distant calling mechanism (popularly known as STD). There was no end to waiting, and consequent “anxiety”.

We are lucky that we as elderly are currently living in this technology driven world where every transaction can happen immediately, with touch of the finger and without moving outside the comforts of home. We as senior citizen associations have, therefore, been calling upon the elders to embrace technology in all possible ways as the benefits are immense and mind boggling. We always urge elders to be familiar with three facets: “mobile”, “laptop / desktop” and “internet”. With these three (3) things at one’s disposal, one can do wonders.

Advantages of Technology:

Easy communication:

Gone are the days waiting for communication. Through mobile calling, we can touch base with anybody, anywhere, virtually online anytime almost instantly. If we as seniors have some hearing problems, WhatsApp communications help us to communicate with rapid speed. Language is no barrier as in WhatsApp we can send messages in our native languages too. If we want to see and talk, video communication comes handy. We can see our children or grandchildren as we see them across us and can talk. Nobody can replace the intimacy of physical interaction but the quickness and easiness of communication has been enabled by advent of technology. One can also send emails to children / grandchildren / friends and keep themselves busy.

Participating / attending events / programs:

This is possibly the biggest boon of technological development. Mobility is an issue with elders, and they are, sometimes, not in a position to physically attend many of the programs / events as these are taking place at a distance. Say, marriage function of niece of a friend or farewell of a junior in the office outstation or participating in a musical program at a distant location. The advent of technology has made it possible for us to participate in all such events on virtual mode. One can speak, dance, sing, recite a poem, bless someone, hear someone else speaking, all at hundreds of kilometers and all through technological means. The spread of the pandemic further caused the technological wings to spread through increased prevalence of channels like “Zoom” or “Google Meet” or “Microsoft Teams” and that has worked wonders. At My Retired Life Foundation (MRLF), we have organized hundreds of our programs through Zoom mode and these have been a great success. Many of our members are very happy and wait for these virtual programs as these give them an opportunity to meet virtually (without going out) on a regular basis. This has possibly been the biggest gift of technology in recent times for elders for whom mobility is a question mark.

Spending time fruitfully:

Many elders stay alone, and spending time is a difficult thing for them. Because of physical fragility, walking for a long time is an issue; they cannot read also because of reduced visibility. TV used to be good companion few years ago. Now the computers are “best friends” of older people. It can cater to all types of needs of an elderly. They can listen to musical programs / bhajans / TED talks / any other talks through YouTube. They can spend time in playing computer games or participate in online chess competitions. They can search for new information like travel destinations or learning new hobbies like musical instrument, song, etc. For every facility, guide is available in online medium. The elders need to learn the technique of searching and then going into depth.

Building social connect:

Socialization is one of the biggest issues with elders. Because of variety of reasons, they develop a tendency to feel lonely and consequent syndrome of staying alone away from others. The only way to come out is increased social connect. Technology offers a grand way to increase this social connect. One can do so by becoming members of WhatsApp groups of like-minded people, opening Facebook accounts, and getting in touch with school / college / office friends and build a community or getting into an online community of similar interest people like religious / travelling groups, etc. and then build social contacts. It goes a long way in removing the sense of loneliness among elderly. Similarly, elders who are good in speaking and want to spread words of their ideas can do so through “YouTube” or “Podcast” or write a “Blog” and then invite others to be part of the same. Sky is the limit for such interactions that go a long way in improving social connectedness.

Conclusion:

Technology is indeed a boon for elderly, and it can help them in several ways to do things they could not have done otherwise. There is a disclaimer here. Elders must also understand the negative sides of technology. They must be aware of the cyber security aspects. Best way is to get trained from a “younger generation mentor” about the way to go. And they should move slowly. In case of any doubt or clarification, they should immediately get in touch with a knowledgeable person. They should take all precautions not to be trapped in any unhealthy thing of the internet world. If they can keep themselves away from such negative aspects, technology is the biggest gift of the modern-day world, and all the elders must adopt and adapt to it as fast as they can.