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Maximizing Assistive Technology in Consumers' Hands

December 19, 2014











Smart Phones can benefit and help Seniors   

by Andy Winnegar     

(This article was originally published 12/8/2014 in the Santa Fe Mexican and was recently posted on the Maine CITE website.)

Rather than a box of chocolate or a throw this  Christmas why not consider a new smartphone for your senior family member?

photo of a smart phoneMany seniors have physical conditions or health issues that using a smartphone might help. Smartphones may increase their independence and safety and provide more opportunities to stay in touch with the outside world. Staying engaged with family and friends, has also been found to improve mental health.

A  2014 Pew Research Center report indicated that smartphone ownership is fairly low along the entire age spectrum of the older adult population, but decreases substantially for seniors in their mid-70s (10% of 75-79 year olds own a smartphone). According the Pew survey, 2 out of 5 adults over 65 reports a "physical or health condition that makes reading difficult or challenging" or a "disability, handicap, or chronic disease that prevents them from fully participating in many common daily activities".

 

It is no wonder that they may prefer to stick with their cell phone rather than be overwhelmed by the numerous features offered by a smartphone. Yet, a smartphone's ability to send texts, install useful applications, and expand the utility of the phone might be worth a little frustration and the extra cost.

 

Click here for the full article on the website of the
Maine CITE AT Program.  The Maine Department of Education's Maine CITE Program is designed to help make assistive and universally designed technology more available to Maine children, adults and seniors who need them.

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