Open Access
American Research Journal of Geriatrics and Aging
ISSN (Online): 2639-3093
DOI: 10.46568/arjga
Adaptations in the Age of Technology in Seniors
1Department of Geriatrics, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging
UAMS, Little Rock, Arkansas
Stephen Foster, Amanda Pangle, Amy Schrader, Jeanne Y. Wei, Gohar Azhar, “Adaptations in the
Age of Technology in Seniors”. American Research Journal of Geriatrics and Aging; V1, I1; pp:1-13.
Abstract
The deployment of technology in today’s environment has led to significant advancements in
communication, socialization, and information sharing. We hypothesized that the benefits of these technologies
might be underutilized in the geriatric population. Previous methods of assessing an individual’s capacity for
independent living relied on tools such as the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Instrumental Activities
of Daily Living (IADL). In recent years, with a proliferation of devices requiring technology, there exists a need
for new instruments to evaluate the functional capacity of older individuals in the understanding and use of
technology. We developed a structured survey to investigate the frequency of utilization of technology (cell
phones, computers, blood pressure monitors, etc.) and the application and understanding of these technologies
by older patients (50–90+yrs., n=127) at a geriatric out-patient university clinic. Our results indicated that
while >97% of individuals surveyed possessed a cell phone, only 83% made calls daily, with less than 55%
utilizing text messaging. 83% of individuals owned a computer and only9% lacked internet connectivity.
There were several differences in the understanding and use of technological devices between the
octogenarian-nonagenarian compared with younger age groups. Never the less, 75% of seniors were either
interested in learning more about their cell phones and how to use the different features, or already knew how
to use their cellphones. In summary, our results showed that older individuals were utilizing technology and
were interested in advancing their technological skills. It is important to test the ability of older adults in their
understanding and use of technology because its appropriate use can be helpful for monitoring health, security,
communication and maintaining an independent lifestyle.
