Hello Seniors. Did you happen to wake up this morning a little more confused about how you’re going to maneuver through your day? I’m not talking about lack of memory or saying to yourself, “Oh! What a beautiful morning! Whatever shall I do today?” I mean: “My daughter got me this new gadget that’s supposed to make my life easier. I don’t even know which end is up!”
Of course there are new gadgets and ideas out there that will help to improve our senior lifestyle. Yesterday I found out you could purchase a light that would fit above your laptop screen allowing you to see the keyboard clearer. Big deal, you may say. But to the person who has come to the end of enhanced prescriptions for glasses, this new gadget can change the world!
It’s not just gadgets that are changing the world these days. Prepare yourselves for some interesting statistics:
Did you know that the U.S population is older today than it has ever been? One in five Americans is expected to be 65 years old or older by 2030 as the population of the US continues aging (Claritas Pop-Facts 2024). These population increases naturally present questions about our health and housing care concerns. (Interestingly, people aged 17 years or younger will be fewer. Forecasts show that their segment will shrink to 69.7 million in 2030 from 71.0 million in 2025.) Did you know that almost 20% of baby boomer women did not have children? That figure is almost double the rate of all previous generations. When we compound that with the rate of gray divorce (40% of divorcing persons are age 50+), we end up with a very large population of “solo agers,” older adults who live alone or will be unsupported by family in later life.
Did you know that more older adults can meet their daily care needs? Older adults are functioning better on their own, and a shrinking share are living in nursing homes and assisted living settings than a decade ago. Home modifications and assistive devices have helped older Americans maintain their independence. Did you know that Biophilic design – such as plants, natural light, stone and textured surfaces – helps to enhance a person’s wellness. Simple updates, like adding greenery or nature-inspired décor, can make a significant impact without stretching budgets and also promotes physical and mental health benefits.
Did you know that tech-enabled living is no longer optional – it’s expected! Seniors and their families want convenient, connected, and secure homes, making technology integration a key trend in 2025 and beyond.
Technology can greatly enhance the quality of our lives, but choosing the right devices is key. From voice assistants to smartwatches, each gadget serves a distinct purpose in maintaining independence, reinforcing safety, and promoting social interaction. Don’t feel you need to adopt everything at once; start with the tech that addresses your most pressing needs whether it is for medication management, home security, or connecting with family and friends.
Remember that there are many resources that will assist you in setting up these devices, such as community centers, area agencies on aging, public libraries or your grandchildren.
Did you know that we seniors can be a part of and learn to reap the benefits of modern technology confidently and comfortably?
Now you do!
I know nothing by myself; yet, I know nothing before its time.
Need some help with that? For more information, contact Youthful Aging Home DCre.
Lani Kelly is a research writer for Youthful Aging Home Care.
