Citation
(2013), "Combat loneliness and join the digital revolution", Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Vol. 14 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAOA.55914caa.007
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Combat loneliness and join the digital revolution
Article Type: News and events From: Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Volume 14, Issue 3.
Around two-thirds of over 65s in the UK are currently missing out on the advantages of going online - and research shows that this is usually because they regard the internet as either too expensive, too complicated, irrelevant to their lives... or even all three.
Older people accept technology such as TVs, because they are familiar with them, yet are often scared of PCs and other computerised devices. Apps on tablets can be a real solution. As older people's visual and cognitive skills decline, research has demonstrated that touch screens and apps can really help, as they require little muscle mass or hand-eye co-ordination and are very easy to understand. Apps, such as Skype, iFace, YouTube, Catch Up TV, games, researching interests and on-line shopping all significantly improve personal interaction and help with the quality of elderly lives, so combating loneliness.
Now a leading advice web site, www.myageingparent.com, which is aimed at the families of the elderly, has produced some simple guides to using tablets and the best apps for older people, which can help the younger generation get their elderly relatives connected by breaking down both the fear and technological barriers. Their advice is to avoid talking about the actual technology behind it - especially the broadband and WiFi issues. In fact, it's better not to even mention it's a computer, but rather to show the older person an app and focus on giving them an enjoyable, stress-free experience.
Because the equipment is so intuitive, doesn't look or feel like a PC and doesn't rely on a keyboard, elderly users can have immediate pleasure from it, and soon lose the attitude that "it's too complicated for old people like me".
For more details, please contact Deborah Stone on+44(0)7768 876871 or by e-mail on: mailto:deborah@myageingparent.com
Automatic fall protection alarm launched for elderly One in three over 65s fall each year, costing NHS approx £1.67 billion
Tunstall has launched one of the world's most sophisticated fall detection personalised alarm that automatically calls for help in the event of a fall. The new device, which is manufactured in the UK, could save hundreds of lives a year and the NHS millions of pounds.
The automatic pendant offers an unprecedented detection algorithm that reacts to changes in barometric pressure, acceleration and static orientation and determines whether a fall has taken place. It is likely to replace tens of thousands of the 1.7 m "red button" telecare pendants currently in use in the UK.
The alarm wirelessly connects with a base station in the home of the person using the system. Once the fall is detected, the base station automatically dials the response centre and an operator uses the powerful loudspeaker in the home unit to talk to the person and arrange appropriate help, or call the emergency services if unable to raise a response.
To date, manual alarms have depended on the person to press the button, but research from NICE has shown that many elderly and frail people with alarms thought they had pressed the button when they had not, could not reach their alarm or see any advantage in having a pendant. Some were confused what to press, or when.
The new, small, waterproof, lightweight pendant is also the only device automatically to notify the telecare response centre if it has not registered movement for a period of time, suggesting that the person has not worn it.
The iVi pendant can be ordered through a Local Authority, or direct from Tunstall, as part of a monitoring service.
For more information, visit: http://www.tunstall.com