How technology can help you lead a healthier life

Whether you’re the type who can’t wait for the release of the newest electronic device, or you long for the ‘good old days’ when life was simpler with less screen time, the fact remains that technology now affects almost every aspect of life – including health and wellness. Embracing technology can be to our benefit, particularly when it comes to a living a healthy lifestyle.

So how exactly can technology help us live a healthier life? New and emerging technologies, like screens with dynamic content, interactive video games enhancing social interaction with family members and friends, and virtual environments allow older adults to interact with others, which can in turn improve their quality of life and alleviate break social isolation. Portable and wearable technology allow us to track our physical activity, and through mobile apps we can track things like diet. Virtual reality computer-based games have also helped older adults by improving balance, among other things. Our smartphones also have many benefits; in addition to keeping us connected, they can help in managing medications and chronic conditions.

Whether you are actively using technology in your everyday life, or just starting to introduce new technologies into your life, read more about the ways in which different technologies can help you lead a healthier life.


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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.