Effect of Technology on Senior Citizens

Elders Views

❖ Perception of technology

❖ Unlike younger generations, senior citizens are different in what they believe is useful.

❖ Some senior citizens have a disdain for technology and refuse it.

Independence❖ Elders would like to retain a sense of independence.

❖ Some senior citizens believe that walking with a cane or wheelchair portrays them as old or crippled.

❖ Social isolation is very common in today’s society.

❖ When senior citizens do not embrace technology, they are portrayed as annoying or too time-consuming.

❖ Ex. Senior citizen are moved to nursing home. Allowing others to use technology for them.

Value❖ Senior citizens do not understand the value that technology

has.

❖ Using what is already comfortable for them and what they think works.

❖ Ex. Typing an email vs writing a letter.

❖ Elders need education on why technology is indeed valuable.

❖ If our perception of technology is indeed helpful, it might change their mind about it.

Inability

❖ Our generation’s learning curve on technology is significantly higher than older generations.

❖ Senior citizens can be willing to learn.

❖ Most elders tend to quit because it requires too much effort to learn.

❖ If they are persistent and motivated to learn, they are able to work with new technology.

Generational Standard

❖ It is difficult to develop technology to work with senior citizens’ wellbeing while still making it simple.

❖ Current youths will become elders and generations onwards.

❖ Every generation has a difference in habits and knowledge and as time goes on, technology that youths have been used to will be transferred when they become elders.

❖ ex. Casette tapes vs Mp3 players.