Why Is Loneliness A Major Concern In Senior Citizens, And How Can Technology Help?
Seniors are usually not accustomed to loneliness and they don’t know how to cope with it. However, technology can help them overcome the challenges of living alone.
Seniors are usually not accustomed to loneliness and they don’t know how to cope with it. However, technology can help them overcome the challenges of living alone.
Loneliness
Advertisement
Loneliness in senior citizens can lead to serious illnesses such as dementia, stress, depression, etc. There can be several reasons for the loneliness, in some cases, it is due to a life partner’s early demise and in some cases, their children shift to another place for their work. The biggest problem with loneliness is that people going through such a phase will visibly look fit until loneliness converts to anxiety and depression. People must start rejuvenating their connections and make new connections before they retire. In many cases, technology can also help in avoiding the loneliness.
Here are some useful hacks on how elders can use technology to avoid loneliness in their life.
Advertisement
Do you know, that social media platforms have a large bank of entertaining as well as informative contents that can keep you engaged for long hours? You can access content according to your interests.
One big advantage of social media platforms is that you can create your own content and post on them to express your ideas and expertise. If your content is good, you can even monetize it to earn money regularly.
Advertisement
Engaging yourself in social media is a popular trick to stay away from loneliness, but you must avoid overindulgence.
There are multiple OTTs available nowadays where you can watch your favourite programs and movies anytime. You can easily spend 2-3 hours watching your favourite channels. You can also invite your friends and neighbours to accompany you in watching a movie or a new program.
Seniors may miss their children and close relatives when living alone. They can use video calling facilities to reach out to close people and talk with them. It can be a big stress buster as you can express your feelings, watch them closely and stay connected as long as you want.
You can use online platforms to reach out to people living close to your home and create online groups to share your feelings. There are online platforms available for morning walking, cycling, yoga, hobbies, etc., you can choose the one that suits you and start connecting with people.
You mustn’t share your personal information with unknown people whom you have meet online.
ALSO READ: How Can AI Technology Bridge The Gaps In Elderly Care In India?
Travelling can reduce your loneliness quickly. You can register with online travel booking portals to get discounts and offers related to vacation trips. Whenever you get an offer, you just need to complete the booking using their platform and that’s it, you can go out, spend your time and stay away from loneliness!
Loneliness is not a disease, but it can be a reason for many diseases. So, you must avoid it as soon as you feel you are getting caught in it.
The author is an independent financial journalist.
Advertisement
Parkinson’s disease affects people’s mobility and other body functions, rendering a person helpless and incapable of carrying out normal day-to-day activities. Learn more.
Here are some initiatives that helped increase digitalisation and financial inclusion in India, benefitting all citizens, including senior citizens and those living in the remote parts of the country.
Even senior citizens, who were earlier seemed hesitant, have embraced digital banking today for ease and practicality.
Get all the latest stories delivered to your inbox
Advertisement
Get all the latest stories delivered to your inbox