Hi-Tech Devices Designed for Older Users
For many of those who are 50+, well-designed gadgets and gizmos that are easy to use -- even by those who can't see, hear or punch tiny little buttons as well as they used to -- are becoming a very welcome part of everyday life. This is good business, of course: The 78 million baby boomers represent one-quarter of the US population and, according to research done by the AARP, they own more than 70% of US financial assets and generate more than $2 trillion in annual income. (The same research also pointed out that, "With life expectancy growing, boomers' focus is on health and hipness quotients to fight 'old' aging and keep them in the game.")
"The negative stereotype of older adults -- that they're technophobic, can't learn anything new, they're all sick -- is slowly but surely changing," says Sara J. Czaja, PhD, codirector of the departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Engineering at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Center on Aging. "We really have to think of older adults as active users of technology."
For many of those who are 50+, well-designed gadgets and gizmos that are easy to use -- even by those who can't see, hear or punch tiny little buttons as well as they used to -- are becoming a very welcome part of everyday life. This is good business, of course: The 78 million baby boomers represent one-quarter of the US population and, according to research done by the AARP, they own more than 70% of US financial assets and generate more than $2 trillion in annual income. (The same research also pointed out that, "With life expectancy growing, boomers' focus is on health and hipness quotients to fight 'old' aging and keep them in the game.")
"The negative stereotype of older adults -- that they're technophobic, can't learn anything new, they're all sick -- is slowly but surely changing," says Sara J. Czaja, PhD, codirector of the departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Engineering at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine's Center on Aging. "We really have to think of older adults as active users of technology."
Boomer tech
To learn about some of the best or latest examples of well-designed tech that's geared to the boomer-and-older crowd, I spoke with Susan Ayers Walker, managing director of SmartSilvers, a group that works with manufacturers to promote the development of 50+-friendly technology. Some of the gadgets here are for the tech-savvy set... some are for new users... and some are simply interesting takes on already existing technology. All rank among her favorites.
A simpler cell phone: The Jitterbug phone is a prime example of well-thought-out design for seniors interested in using new technology but who feel more comfortable with old-school versions. Two unique features: When you open the Jitterbug phone, you hear a dial tone that tells you it is ready to use and if you hit "0," you connect with an operator who can help you. Plans start as low as $14.99 per month for 50 "anytime" minutes, and you do not need to sign a contract. Jitterbug.com.
A senior-oriented computer: The Go Computer is a simple, inexpensive computer designed for ease of use -- all you need is a broadband Internet connection, either through your cable or telephone company. (Note: It won't work with dial-up Internet connections.) Plug the computer into your wall outlet, turn it on and press the "Go" button to access e-mail, the Web, photos, games... all the basic functions for which most people actually use a computer. There's virtually no set-up involved, and it comes with a keyboard and screen designed specifically for seniors. $879, plus $19.96 per month for service.
thegocomputer.com.
Getting the picture: The Ceiva digital picture frame automatically updates itself to generate a continually fresh family album. Connected to a phone line, the frame automatically dials in to its servers at night to download new pictures, if they're available. Sending photos is as simple as loading them from your computer to the Ceiva server. This is a great idea for home use or for a gift for an older family member not living with you -- he/she can wake up to new photos whenever you choose. From $127.99 for a frame and one year of service. ceiva.com.
Time to relax: We all could use less stress in our lives, especially at this time of year. The emWave Personal Stress Reliever is like a high-tech, credit card-sized mood ring that measures stress levels, and provides audio and visual feedback. A free tutorial is included (you call a number printed on the box to listen). Also available for purchase are e-books that offer instructions for using the device to help manage such problems as emotional eating or insomnia. Some pro golfers are using the emWave to help them relax before they tee off, and a number of Veterans Administration hospitals are using the devices to help returning soldiers cope with post-traumatic stress disorder. $199. Emwave.com.
-
-
Hollecrest & Associates Inc -"Turnaround Consultants"
Getting the picture: The Ceiva digital picture frame automatically updates itself to generate a continually fresh family album. Connected to a phone line, the frame automatically dials in to its servers at night to download new pictures, if they're available. Sending photos is as simple as loading them from your computer to the Ceiva server. This is a great idea for home use or for a gift for an older family member not living with you -- he/she can wake up to new photos whenever you choose. From $127.99 for a frame and one year of service. ceiva.com.
Time to relax: We all could use less stress in our lives, especially at this time of year. The emWave Personal Stress Reliever is like a high-tech, credit card-sized mood ring that measures stress levels, and provides audio and visual feedback. A free tutorial is included (you call a number printed on the box to listen). Also available for purchase are e-books that offer instructions for using the device to help manage such problems as emotional eating or insomnia. Some pro golfers are using the emWave to help them relax before they tee off, and a number of Veterans Administration hospitals are using the devices to help returning soldiers cope with post-traumatic stress disorder. $199. Emwave.com.
-
Hollecrest & Associates Inc -"Turnaround Consultants"
Sunridge -261 Oakhill Drive, Brantford
No comments:
Post a Comment