This year, World Internet Day, celebrated on May 17, focuses on the use of digital technologies for healthy aging. That is why SPC, the Spanish technology company specializing in the development of consumer electronics products, offers some key points to help our elderly enjoy the advantages of technology.
It is undeniable that, today, the internet plays a very important role in our lives, although not everyone takes advantage of the possibilities of the web to the same extent. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics on ICT equipment and use in households, people between 65 and 74 years old who regularly use the internet from their smartphone account for 63.6%. A figure below that of younger people, but which shows the increasing penetration of technology among our elders, who are becoming more aware of the benefits it brings them, especially when it comes to aging healthily.
A study conducted at the University of Málaga reveals that among the reasons motivating our elders to establish regular use of technology, the most notable are the interest of their family members in safety, closeness and emotional support, and other occasional aids such as organizing daily routines or reminders. The use of technology is important in this age group also for other equally relevant aspects such as its therapeutic role, as it activates cognitive and social functions that improve their quality of life; its use to facilitate remote transactions, allowing them to manage financial movements, medical appointments, or similar tasks independently, giving them autonomy; and its educational benefit, by providing immediate access to information that allows them to keep learning and satisfy their curiosity.
To facilitate access for the elderly to these technologies, it is key that they are designed to be as simple and intuitive to use as possible, thus avoiding getting lost in overly complicated interfaces. SPC, the Spanish technology company specializing in the development of consumer electronics products, reviews the accessibility options that can make technology more enjoyable for our elders, helping them age healthily.
Simplified handling
Many manufacturers, including SPC itself in its range of phones for seniors, offer devices with accessible interfaces that allow even people with vision problems or those who simply do not want to handle a complex device to use them easily. There are many options, especially in telephony: larger keys, more intuitive icons, simplified functions…
Safety features
Advances in interconnectivity and digitalization allow us to enjoy the benefits of immediate communication. This also means that technological devices, especially mobile phones, can use these capabilities to ensure that people with higher dependency levels are always well cared for and not left unprotected in case of emergency. Among the elements that can provide extra peace of mind are an integrated SOS button on the device or other alert functions, such as SPC’s Smart Help for senior phones, which quickly notifies contacts when the phone detects unusual inactivity.
Applications
We could say that if there is any kind of need, there is an app to help meet it more easily. From entertainment games to access to the health card and associated functions, to all kinds of applications for monitoring health, tracking physical activity, or exercising the mind: in the world of apps, our elders can find plenty of options not only to take care of themselves and age healthily but also to fill their leisure time.
Assistant robots
Whether as kitchen assistants or helping keep the whole house clean, as is the case with SPC BAMBA GYRO PRO SUCTION 4400, robots are already part of our lives. Thanks to these smart devices, our elders can perform long and complex tasks by simply programming a couple of buttons. The price of these devices is also becoming more affordable, which, combined with their ease of use, makes them great allies in offering greater autonomy and, above all, more time to enjoy other more pleasant activities.
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