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How Technology Helps Older Adults Stay Connected

A recent study suggests smartphones, computers,⁢ adn tablets may help older adults ‍stay connected.

As a social worker in South⁢ Korea,Jaesung ⁤lee,lead author of the ⁤study‍ and a ‍doctoral candidate in the University of Georgia’s School of ‍Social⁤ Work,saw this firsthand.

Interested in social engagement during his time⁢ as a social worker in South Korea, Lee and his team developed⁣ programs that helped older adults learn to use smartphones-and go on to teach others as well.

“the programs not only helped participants ‍acquire practical skills but also supported them in becoming instructors themselves at other organizations,” Lee says.

“Through this, older adults experienced greater ⁣convenience in their daily lives, gained⁢ meaningful re-employment opportunities, and felt a strong sense ⁣of satisfaction⁤ from taking the class and serving⁣ as⁤ instructors.”

South Koreans typically retire⁣ before age 60, Lee says. And many struggle with anxiety and mental health issues when they leave the workforce.

“By taking these classes and⁢ being ‍an instructor, ⁣the students overcame those issues and connected to society again.”

The researchers used data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study.This national study conducts yearly‍ interviews with thousands of ⁤Americans age 65 and older about technology use, employment and social engagement.

The present study found older‍ adults who are employed or use technology to communicate with others are more socially active. That means they’re more likely to do things like visit friends or family,volunteer, and go out for fun.

But for retirees,the researchers saw a “downturn.” For many, leaving‍ the workforce⁢ meant no longer seeing coworkers, ‍which shrank their social networks.

Phones and computers can definitely help fill ⁢that void.