Senior Mobility: Hello Mobile Technology

For a house bound loved one, a cell phone may be unnecessary. A mobile device would be an absolute waste of money for my grandfather, whose eyes are bad and who never goes out. But his story is not the norm anymore. There are many seniors who are finding ways to get out and about as much as they can. Particularly if they live in an assisted living community, there are plenty of opportunities for our elders to have a mobile social life. Some communities offer Bingo at night, shopping trips downtown, or even dancing. In other words, Assisted Living communities can actually help grandma to be mobile. So naturally, she needs a mobile phone.

Some seniors have held on to a suspicious, negative attitude toward technology, but they are getting past that. One of my dear friends just turned 70, and she has a 17 inch Mac Book Pro. Now she doesn’t know how to do anything but check her email, but still. She is proving that she is not afraid.

And she isn’t alone. According to a recent survey, American seniors are adapting far better to new technology than their European counterparts. 65% of Elders in the U.S. are said to have a positive attitude toward technology.

What do they use them for? Conversations. How novel! They don’t check their stocks, they don’t play Farmville, and they don’t download Jay-Z mp3′s. No, they talk and occasionally text, provided the buttons and screen are large enough.

For technology cheerleaders, this is welcome news. And for those of us who worry how Grandma fairing in her new Assisted Living Community, this is also good news. A senior with a cell phone is a senior who is reachable.

So if she doesn’t have one yet, it’s time to get a cell phone for grandma. There are plenty of low-minute Senior plans out there that serve well for emergencies. They usually cost between $30 and $45 per month. That’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.