One of the biggest hurdles in serving the aging population is technology adoption.
Not all, but many, older adults are hesitant to embrace new technologies due to unfamiliarity, mistrust of data security and fear of complexity or uncertainty, just to name a few. To put it bluntly, you can’t merely throw technology at older adults and expect results. You must act more intentionally, considering today’s older adult doesn’t have the same comfort level as a digital native.
At the same time, a blind eye can’t be turned to the reality that technology can improve quality of life — in many cases, allowing someone to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.
This all begs a larger question: How do you get hesitant adopters to become technology embracers?
Perhaps the answer lies in shifting our focus away from pure innovation and instead concentrating on the integration of more human elements into our tools, thereby reducing the intimidation often associated with machines and smart devices.
For instance, at an organization that I lead, we infuse technology with personal connection — in this case, certified coaches who are trained specifically on the wellness needs of older adults. Together with an older adult, each coach develops a personalized plan with the goal of maximizing independence and a better quality of life. Those plans are informed by an intake assessment, weekly conversations and data analysis from, yes, smart technology.
Each conversation helps address another prevailing issue among older adults: social isolation. Loneliness increases the risk of premature death by 26% in older adults, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Moreover, by highlighting the human touch along with devices, tech is merely an ingredient in the recipe, not a stand-alone element.
Although human-to-human connections help older adults maintain independence, smart devices provide peace of mind for their families and caregivers.
While a loved one is working with a wellness coach, family members have access to an app that records real-time updates to changes in general health and wellness. This access includes invaluable insights into wellness coach observations and metrics such as heart rate, weight and body mass index, sleep quality, activity and fall detection.
As we know all too well, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among older adults, with one in four older adults falling each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing a fall from ever happening can be a life-saving measure.
In one pilot study of our technology, hospitalizations were reduced 25% and falls were 53% below the average for the peer group. Care agents also observed a qualitative increase in mental well-being.
To be clear, though, the focus is on keeping older adults well as long as possible.
Consider that the healthcare industry is experiencing a significant shift from traditional healthcare models to more proactive approaches. The need for wellness and lifestyle management will continue to rise as the senior population grows dramatically.
As we look ahead, the integration of compassionate human support and new technology will be crucial in addressing the complex needs of our aging population. The complexities of this crisis demand immediate attention and innovative solutions. By focusing on connection, independence and care, we can create a future where older adults not only live longer but also enjoy a higher quality of life.
I invite industry leaders and healthcare professionals to join the conversation. What other critical areas in senior living and care need innovative solutions? How can we collaborate to create a more comprehensive ecosystem of support for our aging population?
The sooner we implement those changes, the more we can enrich the lives of older adults in our families, providing them with greater independence, fulfillment and social connection.
Robert Rae is the CEO of ClearWellness, a proactive wellness and lifestyle management service, and ClearCaptions phone captioning services for those with hearing loss.
The opinions expressed in each McKnight’s Senior Living marketplace column are those of the author and are not necessarily those of McKnight’s Senior Living.
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