You can usually measure the importance, and comparative success, of technological and societal improvements by how they impact in a positive manner those who are most vulnerable and in most need of the assistance they can offer individuals and groups.
The coronavirus hit us all very hard, but the groups that struggled the hardest were seniors and the elderly.
The way in which the pandemic restricted the accessibility and mobility of people of a certain age was devastating but the ways in which new technologies and a general shift in the behaviors and attitudes towards the online world as a whole was at least a heartening by-product of the two years of real hardship.
To help illustrate the point and to expand on the notions we have touched upon, here’s a closer look at five such leaps that have been taken.
Taking Care of the Elderly
When discussing matters crucial to those in their later years, one term that often crops up is independence. There is a need not to feel such a burden for friends and family members, and this was keenly felt during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Technology has helped foster this need for independence, and you can see this in the success of the best medical alert systems, which give the elderly and their families a much-needed sense of security regarding their well-being.
This is as relevant to those who reside in care homes as it is to those who remain in their own homes, and the advent of these has proven hugely beneficial to the whole community.
Seniors Dating
Just because you reach a certain age, it doesn’t mean your need for company reduces or vanishes, and while you may see the online dating scene as one that is primarily for the more youthful market, it’s worth noting that seniors dating online and via apps is hugely popular right now.
The ongoing success of services catering to seniors is down to a number of factors, including an increase in the overall tech-savvy nature of the market and niche services producing services specific to their audience.
Some of the biggest dating apps are now those that exclusively cater to this demographic, which shows just how relevant the service has become to these age groups.
Video Calls
During the pandemic, we used video calling technology a whole lot more. We did so for work for socializing, and this continued use is proving very practical for the elderly. The improvement in the basic service and the low associated costs in relation to their use and the equipment they are relayed on have also played their part.
Now grandparents can interact with grandchildren who live thousands of miles away on video calls that are not glitchy, clear as a bell, and help bring families together. They also make elderly individuals feel less detached from society and once again help to improve their sense of independence.
Fitness Devices
We all enjoy fitness apps and services that track our physical exploits, regardless of our age, and this has certainly helped in relation to the older members of society. These services can help users monitor their fitness and relay key information such as heart rate. This information is useful not only for the elderly but also for their physicians and carers.
They are now more accessible and can be worn as pendants or on a user’s wrist, making them all the more amenable to older users.
Meal Delivery
The meal delivery industry experienced a boom during the pandemic for obvious reasons, but the niche continues to enjoy popularity even though its relevant necessity has changed.
In other words, some of us had to have our food and meals delivered during the coronavirus pandemic, and now we choose to do so.
Meal delivery services have also changed in terms of their different modes and types. For instance, you can now have your meals delivered in a ready-to-make fashion, meaning that the elderly can subscribe to services that send out high-quality ingredients as well as relevant preparation instructions.
These can be varied in nature to help make them more appetizing, and they can come fully produced and ready to eat or ready to assemble, whatever is more relevant for an individual and their needs.
Such services can help give peace of mind to family members concerned about an elderly relative’s ability to eat well and maintain a healthy balanced diet.
This is yet another way in which societal changes, backed by technological leaps (such as those offered by mobile apps that are easy to use and offer a service at the click of a button), have made lives easier for older generations.
All of the aspects discussed here are valuable in their own way and cater to different needs and wants of those in our society that are generally not usually at the forefront of our minds when we think of tech startups and the online world.
This is further proof, if needed, that progress affects us all and should be open to every single member of society equally.
