In a November 1, 2018 article in The Wall Street Journal, Marc Freedman reported about a 2018 survey based on the UCLA Loneliness Scale and conducted by Ipsos for the health insurer Cigna. It found that the two loneliest groups in the country are younger people and older people, “Despite the powerful fit between the needs of older and younger people, such connections don’t develop easily today because we’ve done
As the US older adult population rises, more researchers and organizations are developing technological solutions to continue to allow adults to remain independent and productive longer. According to the U.S. News, by 2060, 25% of the population will be over 65 years old and nearly 40% of them own a smartphone. This emerging population is now seeing a market growth in devices to meet their unique needs, including: robotic companions,
A recent study, published in The Journals of Gerontology, noted adults 80 years of age or older found fulfillment in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT). For those who used technology to promote their social relationships presented an increase in their psychological well-being. Those who used technology for informational purposes also saw an increase in their physical well-being. No matter the purpose, whether for personal pleasure or to keep the
Our mission is not just to explain how to access the wi-fi or change the desktop background. Our goal is always to dig deeper. Technology is a means to keep in touch with those we love regardless of our physical limitations. The advancements we’ve seen in recent years, has made oceans, time zones, wheel chairs and even languages not seem so insurmountable. The Internet, Facebook, Skype, DuoLingo, and a myriad
In our enthusiasm to encourage everyone to get connected, we want to take a moment to remind everyone to stay safe out there. While there are more good people than bad in this world, there is always a risk when you share your personal information on the Internet. Just like you would lock up your house or car to keep your valuables in your possession, it’s always important to make
This study comprehensively documents the experience and challenges of aging in America. It also clearly lays out the opportunities for marketers in this expanding group: There are currently 76 million aging baby boomers …and experts are developing new insights into how to reach the mature market. Products targeting baby boomers are set to become the next big ad category in the coming years. Workshops, websites, and how-to books abound on
New York Institute of Technology Communications Arts graduate students in Professor Luvon Roberson’s Production House class developed all components of this video for Digital Grandparents Inc., as a key element of the integrated communications plan that is required for the course. For more information, contact lroberson952@gmail.com.
According to Dr. Dhruv Khullar, in a New York Times article (12/22/16) several studies and other experts make the case that maintaining social connections is vital to human health, especially among the elderly. Digital Grandparents is working to address this basic need by helping older adults learn how to connect with family, friends and community through the Internet and social media. Learn more at http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/22/upshot/how-social-isolation-is-killing-us.html?_r=0
A report from the Pew Research Center (4/14/14) on Older Adults and Technology Use reinforces the need for organizations like Digital Grandparents. There, researchers found that “A significant majority of older adults say they need assistance when it comes to using new digital devices… 77% indicate they would need someone to help walk them through the process.” As for the benefits of being online, the report finds, “For a
We are delighted to announce that DGI has been selected as a Spring 2016 Service-Learning community partner for Northeastern University’s Service-Learning Program. This well-respected program integrates classroom and community goals through service partnerships between faculty-led academic courses and community-based organizations. In our case, DGI is the community-based organization that will be partnered with NEU’s Community Learning course. Through this partnership, NEU students will tutor older adults as DGI volunteers while
Digital Grandparents and its co-founder, Bobby Steinbach, were featured in the Northeastern University Alumni magazine, which goes out to members of their Alumni Association. All Northeastern graduates who have received a degree are automatically members of the Alumni Association. That’s A LOT of people hearing about DGI!! See the article at http://www.alumni.northeastern.edu/s/1386/hybrid/index.aspx?sid=1386&gid=1&pgid=6330
Ever heard of “silvertech?” This is the new term for platforms, apps, sites and devices meant to help older adults. While many of them are geared towards health monitoring and maintenance, some are focused on making computers and the Internet more accessible to older adults. See the article at http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/27/health/to-reach-seniors-tech-start-ups-must-first-relate-to-them.html?_r=0
