Technology is an important and growing part of our lives; it is helping make day-to-day tasks easier and keeping us more connected than ever before. Some recent advances in technology include wireless sensor networks in smart homes that can monitor vital signs like breathing and heart rate; mobile apps that can gather information about physical activity done outside the home; video games that can involve social interaction with family members and friends; and ‘virtual environments’ where users can socialize through ‘representations’ of themselves (known as avatars). While it may still seem like something you’d only see in movies, socially assistive robots are now being designed to help older adults with many important tasks. They can also help with safety, giving caregivers greater peace of mind when it comes to a loved one living alone.
Read more below about how technology is helping to enhance our lives as we age.
How technology can help you as you age
Featured Resources
- Blog Post: There's an app for that! Using technology to promote healthy aging
- Blog Post: The future is here: Socially assistive robots to make your daily life easier
- Blog Post: Stay connected! Family caregivers of people with dementia may benefit from online and telephone support
- Blog Post: Need help managing medications? Try text message reminders
- Evidence Summary: Mobile phone text messages help people with chronic conditions take medications as prescribed
DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).
Many of our Blog Posts were written before the COVID-19 pandemic and thus do not necessarily reflect the latest public health recommendations. While the content of new and old blogs identify activities that support optimal aging, it is important to defer to the most current public health recommendations. Some of the activities suggested within these blogs may need to be modified or avoided altogether to comply with changing public health recommendations. To view the latest updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, please visit their website.
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Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.
