As the primary caregiver for an elderly loved one, you’re constantly seeking ways to improve your daily life. While older adults may not be as familiar with new technologies compared to younger generations who grew up in the computer era, user-friendly technical devices offer numerous benefits. Moreover, seniors can readily adapt to these technologies. Research conducted by geriatric experts has shown that introducing portable devices like mobile tablets, such as the iPad, can greatly enhance the quality of life for seniors.
Tablet technology helps the visually impaired
The size of tablet technology is one of its greatest advantages. While many tablets can perform the same functions as smartphones, their larger screens make them more user-friendly for individuals with impaired vision. The American Optometric Association has reported that vision problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration, are common among individuals over the age of 60. Consequently, millions of older Americans are currently dealing with age-related sight complications.
A study conducted by Concordia University found that iPads are just as effective as traditional visual aids for the elderly. The research team worked with 100 participants, over half of whom had age-related macular degeneration. After assessing the participants’ vision strength, the team provided them with various traditional visual aids and iPads to assess the technology’s impact on reading different types of text.
“We found that most participants struggled to read small and medium-sized text, while nearly a quarter of them reported that reading large text was much easier,” explained Elliott Morrice, the study’s first author at Concordia. “Interestingly, it didn’t matter which technology was used for magnification; an iPad worked just as well as a conventional device like a closed circuit television system.”
It was discovered in the study that individuals with prior tablet experience were able to read at a faster pace compared to those using it for the first time. This indicates that with practice, using these devices becomes more effortless, allowing new users to easily adapt to the technology.
Other benefits of smart technology
Smart technology, such as tablets and smartphones, offers numerous benefits to seniors, improving their lives in various ways. According to research conducted by the Concordia research group, tablets not only assist in magnifying text on screens but also serve multiple purposes, making them cost-effective alternatives. Seniors no longer require separate devices for magnifying text, using a computer, or relying on a GPS. With tablets, they can conveniently download books, adjust text size as needed, order medication online, schedule appointments, and stay connected with family through messaging. Personalized apps can even store important details, streamlining tasks like bill payment and accessing library e-books. Additionally, these devices provide enjoyable features, such as puzzle games that enhance memory and concentration, and facilitate better social connections with friends.
Conclusion
Accessibility devices can enhance communication for seniors, simplifying interactions with others. Talk-to-text features are particularly beneficial for individuals with arthritis, allowing them to compose messages without typing. Additionally, automatic closed-captioning services can convert phone calls into large-print text on a screen, assisting those with hearing impairments in following conversations. Ensuring the engagement of our loved ones as they age is crucial for their overall well-being, both mentally and physically. Therefore, it is important to prioritize finding ways that make this process easier and more cost-effective for your family.
