Technology Helps Seniors Overcome Isolation & Loneliness

Published on 4 September, 2020 at 5:01 pm

Learn about the connection between social connections and seniors’ health and the positive role that technology can play. In addition, get to know Famileo, a personalized newspaper that can bridge the digital divide between generations, for stronger social connectedness.

Nowadays, technology is an amazing tool for making instant social connections. Are seniors able to use technology to maintain their invaluable social connections? Can technology help our seniors cope with social isolation and loneliness? Can seniors with cognitive impairments and mental health illnesses also benefit from technology for social connectedness?

A link between seniors’ social connections and their health?

Science shows that high-quality social connections contribute to living healthier lives.^[1]Social connections are necessary for everyone but aren’t always easy to maintain. Seniors often face social isolation and loneliness. In turn these ailments have negative effects on their mental and physical health.^[2]The Institut national de la santé publique du Québec (INSQ) reports that 19% of Canadian seniors say they lack companionship and feel left out or isolated. A statistic which increases with age.^[3] However, high quality social support networks can protect our seniors’ health. Social connectedness can provide a sense of being recognized, appreciated and loved.^[4]

How many older adults use technology?

Technology can be instrumental in maintaining high-quality social relationships. Studies have shown that digital communication technologies have indeed the potential to increase social connectivity among seniors and reduce social isolation and loneliness.^[5]Why not capitalize on technology as a communication tool for seniors as much as possible?

As noted by the INSQ, when it comes to technology and communication, tools ought to be adapted to seniors.^[6]

Data shows that since social distancing measures have been in place, more and more seniors are inviting technology into their lives.^[7]

Great news! Nonetheless, a number of seniors do not have access to said technology or can’t use it effectively. According to a Pew research center study, seniors face these obstacles in using technology:

- Lack confidence in ability to learn to navigate new technology
- Lack help for initial setup of tech devices
- Physical challenges, cognitive disorders and mental illnesses (such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia) can hinder seniors’ ability to use and manipulate tech devices ^[8]

Our new favourite product that utilizes technology and a paper medium for stronger social connections with our seniors

For these reasons, Eugeria is excited to make Famileo, a personalized family newspaper, available in Canada. This product is already a success in France and in Europe.

Alzheimer's-disease-dementia-illnesses-cognitive-disorders-Famileo-Eugeria-social-connections

Famileo is a family newspaper delivered to your grandparents’ mailbox with photos and messages shared via a smartphone app. Famileo is where technology meets paper—the optimal communication medium for each generation! We believe bridging the digital divide gap when it comes to communication between generations is easier with Famileo.

Famileo is the newspaper that helps you keep in touch and strengthen family bonds. Why we love it:

- Paper is a familiar medium for our elderly loved ones
- The simple layout and large format are adapted to seniors’ preference
- Great starting point for topics of conversation with all members of the family
- Exciting mail to be awaited with interest on a punctual basis by your senior loved one
- The app is easy to navigate, and the layout, printing and mailing are done by Famileo

Famileo is a simple and innovative solution to maintain and strengthen relationships with your older loved ones. While social distancing measures may still be in effect, it is primordial to ensure the psychological well-being of seniors.

We hope you will give it a try and let us know what you think! Get your first newspaper for free by using the promo code “EUGERIA” when you register. To buy now, visit the Famileo website.

If you found this product interesting, you might also like to learn more about Familink.

In addition, if you liked this article, you will also like to read the following article Isolation and loneliness among our seniors.

^[1] https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html

^[2] https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/publications/3033-isolement-social-solitude-aines-pandemie-covid19.pdf

^[3] https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/publications/3033-isolement-social-solitude-aines-pandemie-covid19.pdf

^[4] https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/publications/3033-isolement-social-solitude-aines-pandemie-covid19.pdf

^[5] https://cefrio.qc.ca/media/2207/netendances-2019_aînés_vf.pdf

^[6] https://www.inspq.qc.ca/sites/default/files/publications/3033-isolement-social-solitude-aines-pandemie-covid19.pdf

^[7] https://cefrio.qc.ca/media/2207/netendances-2019_aînés_vf.pdf

^[8] https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2017/05/17/barriers-to-adoption-and-attitudes-towards-technology/