Do technology and ageing mix
Growing old is going to be no different for the baby boomers, followed by my generation of 50 year olds, but technology companies feel that their advances can make a difference.
Technology and pioneering discoveries have not still cured cancer or stopped arthritis, however, more can be done to treat the conditions, hence the fact we are all living longer.However, both generations have embraced technology but how can we see it helping. Robots are rumoured to be the care providers of the future, a threat that fills me with dread.
We use email to stay in touch and social media to share. We have more control over the way we run our lives but do we really when care companies are struggling to recruits and care homes are closing at a rate of knots
We may lose mobility but with the use of a computer we can shop from home and have it delivered to our door.
We can stay in touch with people around the world using social networks and skype.
More and more is being put in place to reduce the incidences of social isolation and loneliness our elderly feel today. However – Is this a replacement for the love and affection and personal contact from friends and family? – I think not. Talking to a device and hearing a computer generated reply is no substitute for real conversation – or is it, Alexa or Siri?
Obviously not, but being realistic we all have demanding workloads and life is busy. My sons have their own lives and I would be wrong to expect them to be there for me more than they feel they want to be. I don’t want to be lonely AND, a drain on them.
Social Media and the internet will not stop us developing diseases that will limit our lives but it will offer an alternative from watching TV all day long. It offers the chance to communicate with others with shared experiences and offer support.
This is a really thought provoking article. I for one think that advancements in technology will have a massively beneficial impact on our lives as we age. I don’t think we have seen anything like the full advantages yet, due to the reluctance of many currently elderly people to embrace new technology. However, as the next generation ages things will be very different. Imagine, as a housebound individual, being able to chat and interact regularly, ‘face to face’ – albeit on screen – with those loved ones living far away.