Rock-Stars-of-Aging-by-Marc-Middleton

Rocks Stars of Aging
46
MENTAL STMULATION
32: Centenarians Are Interested in New Technology
"I'm interested in everything. All the new things are wonderful. In fact,
I have a new phone I'm using right now." -- Marianne Crowder at the
age of 102
From texting to watching videos online to playing video games,
centenarians smash the stereotype that the ultra-elderly aren’t
interested in today’s new tech toys. While many 80 and 90-year-olds
are totally uninterested in the computer and the Internet, we have
found that centenarians are intrigued, amazed and excited by it.
Those who cling to the belief that computers are tools exclusively for
today’s generation, haven’t met an online centenarian. In fact, we
have come to believe that computers and Internet technology will
totally transform the lifestyle of the elderly in the next decade.
Video chatting will enable seniors of all ages to stay connected with
friends and family all over the world. Computer programs, apps and
adaptive technologies will give the elderly a voice and the ability to
share their thoughts and feelings, to take virtual trips, read whatever
they like and learn whatever they want. Laptops and iPads
specifically designed for arthritic fingers and failing eyes and loaded
with special software and games will prove to be an important and
indispensable part of the lives of the very old.
Several recent studies, including one by Dr. Shelia Cotton of the
University of Alabama. reveal that Internet use is associated with a 30
percent decrease in depression symptoms among older adults who
use it regularly.
Rock Stars of Aging
46