How Technology Is Helping Seniors Stuck At Home During The Coronavirus Pandemic

As the Philippines continues to ease lockdown restrictions, many parts of the country have been placed under a so-called ‘general community quarantine’, where the strict stay-at-home orders that had been in effect since March have been lifted… except for the elderly. Seniors are still in great danger if infected with the virus, and while many are eager to go out and resume their normal activities, the wait will likely be a lot longer, with the virus still spreading across the country. But, while staying at home is keeping seniors safe from the deadly virus, the burden of uncertainty and isolation is becoming harder to bear for many. To make life easier, seniors are learning and expanding their use of various technologies available today.

Staying on top of their health

Seniors are the biggest beneficiaries of the healthcare industry, with most of them taking trips to hospitals regularly for checkups and to get medical attention when necessary. But, with the current state of things, a hospital is the last place an older adult wants to be in, as it increases the chances of getting the virus drastically. To stay on top of their health without risking it, seniors are using various telehealth devices to help them get medical attention from their doctors remotely. For example, remote patient monitoring systems allow doctors to keep an eye on seniors dealing with various illnesses at home. Different types of smartwatches can also track things like blood pressure or blood sugar levels, saving them a trip to the hospital.

Boosting safety and security at home

A lot can go wrong when an older adult is living at home alone, putting their safety or security at risk. With the help of various devices, seniors can keep themselves safe at home and ensure that help arrives quickly should they need it. For example, seniors can install smoke detectors in their homes to alert them and relevant authorities when there’s a fire in their home, potentially saving their life. Security cameras and motion detectors can also alert them when intruders are attempting to gain access to their homes so they can call for help in time. Another threat that has is two times worse in the Philippines than it was before the lockdown is financial scams, where criminals target vulnerable seniors to exploit them and gain financial benefits. Seniors can use money management and online banking apps to stay on top of their finances, as well as maintain regular contact with trusted loved ones, who can keep an eye out for suspicious financial decisions or transactions.

Preventing social isolation

The social distancing rules that are forcing close friends and family members to stay away from seniors have created a new problem: social isolation. Social isolation can lead to various mental health issues, including stress, depression and anxiety, as well as exacerbating physical health issues that they could be dealing with. To prevent this, seniors are using video chatting apps like Zoom to maintain contact with friends and family. They are also joining different social media platforms to stay updated with the current state of the world while sharing their opinions. Seniors are also taking online classes – such as painting, playing a musical instrument, or fitness – where they’re learning new hobbies while interacting with other people.

Without a doubt, the pandemic has been extremely challenging for seniors, forcing them to remain cooped up in their homes as days stretch into weeks, and weeks into months. However, one positive that has come out of the situation is that seniors have gained the motivation to learn and expand their use of amazing technologies that will serve them now and long after the pandemic is over.