Crucial Reasons Why Seniors Really Need a Smartphone

Can you believe that in 2020, a total number of 1.57 billion smartphones were sold in the world?

Nowadays, smartphones have turned into one of our fundamental needs; safe to say, it is getting almost impossible to get by without them.

The younger generation has embraced technology, but seniors are in greater need since, in old age, we need as much help and assistance as there is.

Several surveys have revealed that smartphones can decrease depression, which is one of the main issues people face in their senior years. By creating a gateway to connect with others, smartphones reduce boredom and depression among seniors. Luckily, there are various smartphones, particularly made for seniors, suited to their needs and conditions.

For example, models designed for seniors have a bigger screen and a basic interface design.

The Common Usages of Smartphone for Seniors

• Calling in emergency conditions
• Video calling with children or grandchildren
• Using the smartphone for controlling various electronic devices at home 
• Sending instant messages to family members
• Checking the latest news
• Monitoring health and contacting the clinic

Previously, cellular phones were only for communication purposes, but with the advent of smartphones, communication has turned to only one of the cellular phones’ uses. People are using these devices mainly for entertainment purposes, and the elderly are among the ones who have the highest boredom. A smartphone can act as the best companion for seniors’ loneliness. The elderly may not be able to read books or newspapers due to their lower eyesight. There is an excellent alternative to these media. Podcasts and audiobooks are the best choices, and they can amuse themselves with different podcasts or audiobooks on a wide array of subjects. That can increase their knowledge and creates a sense of connection with the world out there.  

Connection

Previously, cellular phones were only for communication purposes, but with the advent of smartphones, communication has turned to only one of the cellular phones’ uses. People are using these devices mainly for entertainment purposes, and the elderly are among the ones who experience the highest boredom. Using a smartphone creates a wide array of opportunities for the elderly to socialize, amuse, and obliterate the sense of loneliness.

The video calling feature enables the elderly to visually contact their children or grandchildren living in other cities or countries. 

 

Learning

The elderly may not be able to read books or newspapers due to their lower eyesight. There is an excellent alternative to these media. Podcasts and audiobooks are the best choices, and they can amuse themselves with different podcasts or audiobooks on a wide array of subjects. That can increase their knowledge and creates a sense of connection with the world out there.  

Applications

Still, during the early years of smartphones’ emergence, there was a lack of applications, and there weren’t many choices available. As time passed, imaginative developers started inventing various applications for different purposes. Now, many applications suit the needs of the seniors. One can note medical, entertainment, motivational, and physical exercise apps. 

 

Brain

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are among the common conditions to which the elderly are predisposed to. There are various ways to hinder delay in the onset of these conditions, and smartphones play a vital role here. Seniors can install multiple games or apps to challenge their brains and improve their memory. These games and applications are designed to reduce the aging process’s speed and help the seniors keep their minds as fresh as in their younger years.

Additionally, increasing the mental power of the elderly is one of the main benefits of smartphones. There are various accessible apps through Google Play Store or iTunes App Store designed to help the elderly enhance their cognitive performance. Most of these apps allow the elderly to interact with their mobile phone to maintain their cognitive abilities.

More Resources: Smart Home Technologies that Help Seniors

Virtual Technologies

Thanks to virtual assistants, smartphones are smarter than before. These virtual assistants can help you dial numbers without even picking up your phone, and they are also able to answer your various questions. The elderly might not be able to type accurately on their phone, which is an obstacle to surfing the web or calling others. In addition, Virtual assistants are here to help them make use of all features of their phones. iPhone users can take advantage of Siri and android phones’ which are released with different virtual assistants that help the elderly perform various tasks.

Tracking

Of course, forgetfulness is another problem of old age. The elderly might forget the places where they have put different things. Thanks to small chipsets, you can attach the chipset to the regularly missed items and then track them with the phone app.

 

What are the side effects?

Along with many benefits, smartphones can lead to several side effects. There might be some problems in the way the elderly are using smartphones. Some seniors have problems learning new skills. These people cannot learn to use the phone during old age. They might face several issues while using the smartphone or create troubles for others. It’s best if they skip using smartphones and stick with the basics. 

The existence of unlimited features on smartphones may overwhelm seniors. If the number of apps on the mobile phone becomes too many and confusing, they should be limited so that the elderly can use the fundamental features of their phones. 

 

What to buy?

Mobile phones are among the costly items to purchase. It means that they are only worth buying if seniors are willing to use their various features. Otherwise, the elderly can get a simple phone to sort out their ordinary tasks. There are some extra costs for mobile phones. Connecting to the Internet, using video calling features, messaging, and calls can cost a lot if using a basic phone plan.

 

What are the costs?

Since mobile phones’ price has tremendously increased during the last few years, they have also become susceptible to theft. The potential of being rubbed by the elderly is higher due to the lack of control over their phones. As noted earlier, buying a smartphone is only one of the costs the owner has to pay. Nowadays, most applications come with in-app purchasing. It means that the user has to pay money to make use of various features of the app. 

 

More Resources: Taking Care of the Seniors Using Technology

Final Words

Smartphones are becoming increasingly essential for seniors as they provide a range of benefits, such as staying connected with loved ones, emergency communication, access to information, entertainment, and health monitoring. With the advancement of technology and the increasing availability of user-friendly smartphones, seniors can quickly adapt to these devices and enjoy their benefits. Seniors need to consider the advantages of having a smartphone and make a decision that can significantly enhance their quality of life. A simple smartphone can be handy for seniors. Mainly because it helps them stay connected with their loved ones by video chatting, controlling smart devices, using GPS to navigate, monitoring health through apps, and many other features that can improve the quality of their lives.