Today, technology is pervasive, and it benefits both the young and the elderly. The phrase “Tech-Savvy” is no longer reserved just for the younger generation. Our beloved elders are delving full force into the realm of technology, adopting gadgets and gizmos with excitement. In India, the wave of tech savviness is a godsend to the elderly. Technology makes life easier for seniors who live alone, away from their children, and are familiar with technological tools. It provides them with several convenient features, like the ability to stay connected and access telemedicine all at once.
According to the HelpAge India annual report, by 2050, the number of elderly citizens in India will equal the population under the age of 18. With advancements in medical research, life expectancy is likely to rise further, indicating an urgent need to develop a digital infrastructure that meets the needs of this vast but often overlooked ‘silver’ segment. This generation of elderly is not falling behind in the race for change; they are living it and have adapted to new ideas, societal developments, and technology that are frequently opposed to what they were raised with.
Technology is playing a greater part in the lives of the elderly, both in rural and urban settings. The new era of connection has offered significant benefits to the elderly, namely the ability to stay connected. Whether it’s checking up with grandchildren, swapping recipes with friends, or attending virtual religious gatherings, the elderly are now only a phone call away from their loved ones. Apps supporting video calls like WhatsApp, Zoom, Facetime and Skype have become a lifeline, especially for those living far from their families. It enriches their life by facilitating better interpersonal relationships.
Health and well-being are paramount for the elderly; they are investing in technology which makes it easier for them to manage their health effectively. “Age Tech” is an essential technology built for older people serving the purpose, broadly categorised into two buckets: technology to ensure “safety and health” and “wellness”. Wearable gadgets with built-in GPS to help keep track of elderly family members, particularly those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, are among the most popular age-tech products focused on safety. Wearable devices allow them to monitor vital signs such as their heart rate, track steps, and even monitor their sleeping patterns. Furthermore, telemedicine apps allow patients to consult doctors without leaving their homes, ensuring that they receive timely medical advice.
A few popular wearables that are transforming senior care – Tempo By Carepredict, is a wristband that is aimed at identifying early health issues in senior citizens and alerting support staff/relatives who are staying separately in case of problems.
ActiveProtective is a wearable airbag designed to keep the elderly safe from falls and prevent hip fractures and other fall injuries as it’s the most common and devastating issue related to ageing.
Amulyte is another wearable targeted at promoting independent living in senior citizens. It is a lightweight smart pendant that tracks daily activities and serves as an emergency response system.
Technology is also being utilized by disadvantaged elders to access critical services and entitlements. It is being used in a big way by rural elderly particularly to link and enrol with government programmes such as Jan Dhan Adhaar Mobile Yojana, so they can benefit from schemes such as old age pension and PM-JAY and access their entitlements. Even though some might lack smartphone access, they approach CSC or digital centres that help bridge the gap to avail of these critical services. The adoption of the internet in rural areas would provide an avenue to the outside world for rural elders, affecting their livelihood; they can learn a lot more from YouTube and use technology seamlessly. Government efforts such as PMGDisha attempt to increase digital literacy among nonliterate and digitally illiterate citizens, especially the elderly in rural areas. Another initiative is the Silver Surfer Program (SSP), which aims to educate the elderly, particularly those in rural areas, about the benefits of contemporary technology. It teaches basic computer skills, internet usage, and digital transactions, and raises awareness about cyber fraud.
The internet is a wealth of information, and many seniors are making full use of it to learn new skills. This became more apparent during the pandemic when the elderly were confined to their homes in order to keep themselves engaged and active. From cooking to learning a new language, internet tutorials and classes enable people to pursue new hobbies and interests. Platforms like YouTube and Coursera have become their virtual classrooms.
The elderly are tech savvy not only to access daily essential services but also entertainment which is no longer limited to television. They enjoy new content on streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hotstar which offer a plethora of movies, TV shows and documentaries. Some are even drawn towards podcasts and audiobooks providing endless hours of auditory and literary pleasure. They also indulge in gaming apps and puzzles to keep their mind sharp and active.
Technology while making the seniors tech-savvy is also at the same time helping them in bridging the generation gap. Grandparents and grandchildren are finding common ground through social media and even collaborative projects like photo albums or digital scrapbooks. This shared interest fosters deeper bonds and mutual understanding. Besides this, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are being used by seniors to reconnect with old friends, share their life stories and stay updated with the latest news and trends. They are also becoming influencers in their own right sharing wisdom and experiences.
There is no denying that technology is helping the elderly become a part of the country’s mainstream social network. The tech-savvy oldies of India are redefining ageing, proving that with curiosity, enthusiasm and willingness to learn one can embrace technology at any age. The digital revolution among the elderly is enhancing their lives and also making them more equipped for upcoming times. So, the next time you see an elderly person engrossed in their smartphone or tablet remember they are not just keeping up with the times; they are leading the way in showing how to live life to the fullest, regardless of age.
