How Can Older People Benefit from Technology?

Technology has become part of everyday life for many people. However, not everyone feels confident using newer devices, and older people often need additional support when learning how technology works.

Even though the majority of older people are unfamiliar with technology, it can help them in many aspects of life and healthcare, such as:

• Staying in contact with family and friends.
• Supporting safety and independence.
• Remembering appointments and medication.
• Enjoying hobbies and entertainment.
• Supporting physical activity.
• Managing everyday tasks.
• Providing reassurance for family members.

However, technology is not automatically useful simply because it is new. Individual needs will change from person to person. For some, a complicated device may cause more frustration than benefit. Choosing technology that fits a person’s abilities, interests, and care needs is important. Ideally, it should complement their existing routines rather than make everyday tasks more complicated. 

Smartphones and Tablets

Smartphones and tablets can be useful tools for staying connected with family and friends, and accessing entertainment. A tablet’s larger screen may make it easier to read text, view photographs, or interact with on-screen controls than a smartphone. Depending on the device, accessibility features can also increase text size, magnify the screen, or allow certain functions to be controlled using voice commands.

You could use a tablet or smartphone to:

• Video call family members.
• Look through photographs.
• Listen to their favourite music.
• Watch films and television programmes.
• Read books.
• Play games.
• Set reminders.
• Keep in contact with friends.

Smart Speakers and Voice Assistants

Voice assistants can be useful for people who find touchscreens or keyboards difficult to use. Depending on the device, someone may be able to set reminders, alarms, play music, check the weather, or control compatible smart-home devices using voice commands.

However, speech, hearing, language, or cognitive difficulties may make some voice assistants harder to use.

Wearable Technology and Personal Alarms

Safety is another area where technology can be particularly useful. Personal alarms, emergency call buttons and some wearable devices can allow someone to call for help if they become unwell or have an accident. Some devices also include features such as fall detection or GPS location tracking.

These technologies can provide reassurance for someone who lives alone and for family members or carers. However, they should not be treated as a guarantee of safety. No device can detect every emergency or replace appropriate care and supervision.

Medical Reminders

Many healthcare providers, including the NHS, use digital apps to communicate with patients, organise appointments and manage medical prescriptions. As older people usually have regular appointments and prescriptions, this digital shift can make it difficult for them to receive the health care that they require.

Forgetting medication or taking the wrong dosage can be a concern for some older people, particularly when they take several different medicines throughout the day. Simple technology, such as a smartphone or smartwatch, can provide reminders at scheduled times. Automated medication dispensers can also alert someone when medication is due and, depending on the device, provide access to the correct dose.

However, a reminder is not the same as medication support. Someone who has difficulty remembering whether they have already taken their medication, for example, may require assistance from a family member or professional carer.

Technology for People Living With Dementia

Technology can also have a role in supporting someone living with dementia. For example, a large digital clock displaying the time, day and date can provide useful information about when it is and help someone follow their daily routine. Assistive technology can provide reminders or information about what is happening throughout the day.

Other technology can support familiar activities and interests. A simple music player could provide access to favourite songs, while a tablet could be used to look through photographs or watch familiar videos. This can also support communication with family members and friends.

The key is simplicity. A device with complicated features may be overwhelming, particularly if someone is already experiencing cognitive difficulties. A familiar and straightforward device is likely to be more useful if it meets the person’s actual needs.

Smart Home Technology

Smart home and monitoring technology can make some everyday tasks easier, including devices such as:

• Motion-activated lights.
• Automatic heating controls.
• Smart plugs.
• Door sensors.
• Video doorbells.
• Automated lighting.

For someone with reduced mobility, motion-activated lighting could make it easier to move around the home without having to reach for a light switch.

Consider the person’s abilities and preferences when installing smart technology in their home. Introducing one change at a time may make it easier for someone to become familiar with new technology.

How To Make a Device More Accessible

Accessibility for vision loss

Many smartphones, tablets, and computers have accessibility features that can read text or other content on the screen aloud. The exact features available will depend on the device. If you are unsure how to use them, the manufacturer’s support website will provide instructions.

You can also make your phone, tablet or computer easier to see by changing its display and accessibility settings. For example, you may be able to increase the size of text and other elements on the screen, adjust the display, or use magnification features. On Apple, Android, and Windows devices, these options can generally be found within the accessibility settings.

Accessibility for hearing impairments

Technology can also make everyday devices easier to use for people with hearing loss. Some hearing aids and other compatible hearing devices can connect directly to smartphones, tablets and computers, allowing certain audio, such as phone calls or music, to be streamed through the hearing device. Compatibility will depend on the hearing aid and device being used.

If you find it difficult to hear phone conversations, using speakerphone may make the conversation easier to follow. Some devices also offer captions or real-time transcription, which can provide a written alternative to audio.

If you find it difficult to hear notification sounds on a computer, accessibility settings can provide visual alternatives. For example, Windows allows audio alerts to be accompanied by visual cues rather than relying solely on sound.

Accessibility for mobility issues

Technology can also be adapted to reduce the amount of physical effort needed to use a device. You can reduce the need to touch a screen by using voice control. Depending on the device, spoken commands can be used to open apps, make calls, navigate menus, and dictate messages or other text. Both smartphones and computers have built-in accessibility features that can provide alternative ways to control them.

A wearable, Bluetooth keyboard device.

If you find a traditional mouse or keyboard difficult to use, there are alternative input devices that may be easier to operate. For example, a trackball mouse can provide an alternative way to control the pointer. Other options include adapted keyboards, touchscreens, alternative pointing devices and switch controls.

The right option will depend on the person’s mobility, dexterity and preferences. What works well for one person may not be comfortable or practical for someone else.

Helping Older People Get the Most From Technology

Always consider the person’s needs and abilities when introducing them to technology. Perhaps they want to speak to their grandchildren more often or would feel safer with a personal alarm. Finding technology that addresses that specific need is more likely to provide a genuine benefit, whether that means supporting independence, maintaining relationships, or helping someone enjoy familiar interests.

At Mulberry, we believe care should always be built around the individual. Technology can be a useful part of this approach, but it is only one piece of the picture. The most important thing is ensuring that every resident continues to feel supported, respected, and connected.