If there is one thing that is hard to predict, it is how comfortable we are with technology. And by “we,” I am referring to any of us baby boomers!

When I worked in senior living, there was a tremendous range of residents some of whom were so comfortable with technology, they taught others and formed a “Tech Help Group.” But others had no interest in becoming comfortable with laptops, personal computers, or smart phones. It was not based on age at all, which I found interesting. There were “older residents,” (in their 80’s) who were better at tech than I was, and some who simply had no interest. So where do you categorize yourself? Are you using any of the new AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Gemini? If you haven’t, you should try it. It is amazing how fast and efficiently AI can find any information you need, write letters or reports, and much more. Just double check this info for accuracy!

It seems like technology is simply unavoidable today. I can’t imagine how hard it would be if you could not navigate your patient portal in today’s healthcare environment. It seems like it is the only way to communicate effectively with your medical team or to easily read test results or make new appointments. I am positive many of you use Telemedicine, especially since Covid. More and more of the healthcare world will involve technology.

What about smart watches? My friend’s Apple watch helped her diagnose atrial fibrillation and her cardiologist told her this was common now.  Are you using an Apple Watch or Fitbit to monitor your health or number of steps per day, or sleep pattern? While we all remember living without all this wealth of information, you cannot deny that it can be useful. You can easily measure heart rate, blood pressure, and more.

I am also guessing that many of you have home security systems like RING that you can control from a distance with your phone. Or you use zoom on a regular basis to hold virtual meetings. Almost everyone I know streams video content or has a smart TV.

All this being said, there is still a lot of diversity in how seniors use tech and what they like and don’t like.  But no matter how you feel about tech, it is not going away. In fact, every home, every car, every appliance, every TV, every aspect of our lives will, or already does, involve tech, like it or not!

I am helping a very interesting company called Link-age Connect that is interested in how seniors use technology. If you are 55 + years of age, and are interested in participating in this survey, please visit the link below and take the survey. It will take you about ten minutes.

All information is general and not personal, and the survey tool is “survey monkey.”  You will never be asked your name, income, email or personal address of any kind. You will indicate your age range, and if you are male or female.  This data will be used to help inform companies that provide various services to seniors in general and help them understand what seniors like and don’t like about tech in general, what they are comfortable using and don’t want to use and why. I took it myself and found it interesting.

Since I know you will be curious about how this general data will be used, here is what I can tell you. Link-age Connect “specializes in market research consultancy focused on understanding the needs, preferences, and aspirations of older adults. They help organizations create tailored solutions that make a meaningful impact on their older adult customer.”  Their website is https://link-ageconnect.com/

They particularly like understanding senior retirement communities! If you decide to do the survey (I have no attachment whatsoever if you do or don’t and I am not being paid) you must use the password TECH when prompted and you must be at least 55 years old or older. The deadline to complete this survey is September 26^th.   You may contact Suzanne Voix, Executive Director of Link-age Connect, who will be happy to answer any of your questions at SViox@linkageconnect.com

If you would like to see the compiled data when the survey is wrapped up, let Suzanne know. Also, Suzanne said it is easier to complete on a larger screen like your laptop etc. than doing it on your phone! Feel free to pass this on to any friends who qualify age wise.

Here is the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LC2025TechStudy

Until Next Time!

Star Bradbury, Senior Living Strategies

www.starbradbury.com