Embracing the Tech-Empowered Senior

The Changing Face of Seniors and Technology for Older Americans Month

(An AI generated photo of a 75-year-old woman wearing AirPods in a park with two friends.) 

As Assistive Technology (AT) Act Programs serve older adults, a major shift is happening. Today's seniors, mostly baby boomers, aren't the tech-hesitant individuals often portrayed in stereotypes. We're a group that has grown up alongside the digital revolution, changing how assistive technology should be approached.

Many of us have decades of experience with technology in both work and personal settings. This experience has built a level of digital comfort that makes us open to - and often excited about - using tech tools. Many of us were working when personal computers became common in the 1980s and 1990s, adapting to waves of new technology throughout our careers. This reality challenges the old view of older adults as "digital immigrants" needing basic instruction.

Beyond Basic Digital Literacy

This changing landscape suggests moving past introductory digital training, which can feel patronizing to tech-savvy seniors. A "technology extension" approach makes more sense. This focuses on identifying what technology skills a person already has and adding new assistive solutions that fit naturally with devices they already use and understand.

This could mean exploring accessibility features on a smartphone someone already owns rather than suggesting a separate assistive device. Services that thoroughly explore an individual's current tech setup and preferences can lead to more integrated solutions.

Maintaining Dignity and Independence

The preference for integrated solutions also reflects a desire to stay vibrant and avoid the stigma sometimes linked to obvious assistive devices. A 73-year-old friend of mine, who enjoys tap dancing and cycling, was surprised when her insurance company suggested a home visit for fall-risk assessment. She replied: "I don't know when I can fit you into my schedule – between tapdancing and 20-mile bike rides, I'm busy!"

This highlights a common feeling: we don't want to be defined by age-related decline or use devices that loudly signal "old" or "disabled." Showcasing mainstream technologies with strong accessibility features alongside specialized AT can support this preference.

For example, AirPods are increasingly being used as hearing aids by people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Some perceptive audiologists are now recommending them for certain people. Unlike traditional hearing aids, earbuds like AirPods convey liveliness and blend seamlessly into daily life, avoiding any stigma associated with more traditional hearing aids.

My Personal Experience

My own journey illustrates this point. I have always enjoyed riding a bike but now I fear falling. Living with arthritis and balance issues while wanting to stay active, I looked for a solution to help me enjoy my neighborhood and the outdoors. An adult electric trike was my answer. It addresses my mobility challenges while supporting my independence and active lifestyle. I researched this solution and chose it to fit my life. While assistive technology is "in my wheelhouse," this kind of proactive engagement with technology is increasingly common among seniors.

Finding the Right Solution

Consider another example: an 82-year-old retired teacher I know who recently experienced progressive vision loss. A demonstration by a state AT Act Program showed that a portable video magnifier could meet her visual needs, but she didn't want to carry another device. The ideal solution was to use the magnification features already built into her smartphone and tablet - devices she used daily and felt comfortable with. This approach not only addressed her vision issues but reinforced her technological independence and supported her lifestyle.

A New Narrative of Aging

The story of modern aging is changing. It's less about older adults being passively helped by technology and cared for by younger people. Instead, it's about us actively choosing and using technologies that enhance our abilities and maintain our independence.

Listening carefully to tech-savvy seniors' preferences, respecting their existing knowledge, and guiding them toward solutions that align with their self-image and lifestyle can help transform aging into a time of continued independence and engagement. This is what we desire and deserve.

References

1. Anderson, M., & Perrin, A. (2017). Tech adoption climbs among older adults. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2017/05/17/tech-adoption-climbs-among-older-adults/
2. Pew Research Center. (2022). Share of those 65 and older who are tech users has grown in the past decade. Pew Research Center Short Reads. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/01/13/share-of-those-65-and-older-who-are-tech-users-has-grown-in-the-past-decade/
3. Madara, E., & Bhowmik, A. K. (2024). Toward Alleviating the Stigma of Hearing Aids: A Review. Audiology Research, 14(6), 1058-1074. https://doi.org/10.3390/audiolres14060087
4. Mannheim, I., Wouters E., Köttl H., Boekel V., Brankaert R., Zaalen Y., Ageism in the Discourse and Practice of Designing Digital Technology for Older Persons: A Scoping Review, The Gerontologist, Volume 63, Issue 7, September 2023, Pages 1188–1200, https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnac144