Technology: What Makes Sense for Seniors

By MaryAnne Beatty

Alexandria, VA – Older adults use technology in a variety of ways and many depend on it to enhance their everyday lives. Technology can help to give older adults an improved quality of life through increased connectivity and a sense of community.

Eighty-two percent of seniors 65 to 69 have internet, while only 44 percent of those over 80 have internet in their home. For seniors who do use the internet, 71 percent are going online daily.

What are seniors doing online? Forty-six percent were reported to use social networking sites such as Facebook, according to Pew Research. Seniors are increasingly more confident with banking online, visiting government websites, and downloading e-books and e-magazines.

Senior Services of Alexandria’s March 19 Speaker Series will look at how important technology is for older adults, and how it can enhance their lives. A panel of technology experts from the Virginia Technical Assistance Program, Comcast Cable, and Alexandria Beatley Library will discuss: the latest technical gadgets that can improve everyday life, how high-speed internet can bring access to a variety of resources, and what technology resources are available through the local library.

This includes the Talking Books program and digital services like streaming movies and music, online learning platforms, and accessing e-books and digital magazines, as well as onsite workshops to assist with various devices.

There will also be a discussion about the latest technologies that you can use at home, such as medicine reminders, stovetop burner alerts, and home security systems.

This free event will take place on Thursday, March 19, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street. Participants will get information from the presenters and AARP on what technology has to offer older adults. Please register online at seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.

Statistics gathered from Seniorliving.org