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Helping Seniors Improve Mental Health with Technology: Tips and Tools
Watching older loved ones struggle with memory problems, low mood, anxiety, or lack of motivation can be heartbreaking, especially during times of isolation. While waiting for mental health appointments may take months, technology offers some helpful alternatives to support seniors' mental well-being in the meantime.
Overcoming Ageist Stereotypes About Tech
You might hesitate to suggest technology for seniors if they seem uncomfortable with computers. However, older adults' tech adoption has rapidly grown over the past decade. With encouragement and help from loved ones, seniors can benefit from technology's potential to improve mental health, daily functioning, and quality of life.
Virtual Therapy and Mental Health Apps
Since the pandemic began, more seniors are seeing doctors virtually. Studies show teletherapy is comparable to in-person treatment for mental health. While mental health apps alone can't replace professional care, they can complement treatment. When choosing online therapy platforms, ensure they are HIPAA-compliant to protect privacy. Good options include:
Federal government wellness apps like Mindfulness Coach, COVID Coach, and CBT-i Coach can also help manage symptoms and teach coping skills.
Wearables for Physical and Mental Health
Physical activity has numerous brain health benefits for seniors, including reduced anxiety and stress, improved depressive symptoms, and enhanced learning and memory. Wearables for seniors like smartwatches can help older adults set movement goals and track steps, calories, and sleep.
Wearables also have advantages for caregivers, who can monitor their loved one's activity levels for signs of mood changes, wandering, or falls. A significant increase or decrease in usual activity may indicate early depression or anxiety symptoms.
Memory Apps for Mild Cognitive Impairment
New research suggests memory apps like digital voice recorders or reminder apps on smartphones can help seniors with mild cognitive impairment maintain daily activities and improve prospective memory.
Tips for Helping Seniors Use Mental Health Tech
To support older loved ones in using technology for mental well-being:
Encourage trying research-based apps if they express interest
Read privacy policies for mental health apps
Verify online therapy platforms are HIPAA-compliant
Set physical activity goals using step-counting wearables
Adjust device settings for comfortable use (volume, font size, etc.)
Remember, technology isn't always the answer - if it doesn't suit your loved one, that's okay. The most effective treatments are those that patients believe in and can stick with consistently. Focus on providing support and exploring options together to find what works best for improving the mental health of the seniors in your life.
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