Sex and Senior Citizens

sexSex is an important topic. People, no matter their age, have an innate desire for physical intimacy. As we age, many of us look forward to an active and satisfying sex life in later years.

Popular wisdom often seems to state that ardor cools in later years, but is it really the case? When problems in the boudoir occur for older couples, it is more often due to disease, disability, drug reaction, or emotional upset than it is to aging.

MedicineNet.com has an extensive array of information about sexuality in later life that I highly advise. From safe sex to the burning question, “What can I do to have an active sex life as I age?,” it covers all the bases. Check it out: Senior Sex.

One group of enterprising seniors considered the issue of safe sex amongst their peer group important enough to make their own informational video addressing it. Take a look at this news report on their claymation masterpiece:

Even the Mayo Clinic has posted advice online. They offer a lot of good advice for older men, including the following five points:

  • Talk with your partner — open communication about sexual needs and limitations is vital.
  • Visit your doctor. Be aware of your state of health, and discover ways to offset any dysfunction.
  • Expand your definition of sex. There is a wide variety of sexual activities beyond simple penetration.
  • Adapt your routine. Consider having sex at a different point in the day when you have more energy.
  • Don’t give up on romance. Even if you have lost your partner, don’t write off the possibility of future intimacy.

There is absolutely no reason you can’t enjoy a happy and fulfilling sex life in your later years!

Image Source: kyz (Stuart Caie), Used under its Creative Commons license.

Filed Under: Health

Study: Cognitive Decline Starts Earlier in Life

Romance isn't just for teenagersResearchers have long thought that cognition — the means of acquiring and processing information about ourselves and our surroundings, which includes memory and other functions we take for granted — starts gradually declining when individuals reach their late 70s.

Poor cognition is regarded as one of the most disabling conditions affecting the elderly and is typically associated with other age-related health problems, such as dementia.

Scientific literature has typically concluded that little evidence of cognitive decline before the age of 60 existed, although that opinion was not universally accepted by experts. There were reportedly frequent debates as to the age when cognition began diminishing.

A new study, published in the British Medical Journal, finds that cognitive decline begins at 45.

Because there have been few studies examining data regarding age-related decline gathered over several years, this is exactly the information researchers from Inserm and the University College London wanted to gather and analyze. They looked at men and women who were between the ages of 45 and 70 at the beginning of the study and tested their memory, vocabulary, reasoning, and verbal fluency three times during a 10-year period.

“The results show that cognitive performance (apart from the vocabulary tests) declines with age and more rapidly so as the individual’s age increases. The decline is significant in each age group,” according to the researchers’ analysis. The participants’ reasoning scores decreased by 3.6% for those men between the ages of 45 and 49, and 9.6% for those between the ages of 65 and 70. Among women, the corresponding figures were 3.6% and 7.4%.

The study’s authors say these findings have significant consequences. “Determining the age at which cognitive decline begins is important since behavioral or pharmacological interventions designed to change cognitive aging trajectories are likely to be more effective if they are applied from the onset of decline,” stated researcher Archana Singh-Manoux.

In other words, if physicians are aware of when problems with memory or speech processing might be likely to start, then they can prescribe effective therapies to address a patient’s specific age-related cognitive problems as early as possible.

“As life expectancy continues to increase,” Singh-Manoux added, “understanding the correlation between cognitive decline and age is one of the challenges of the 21st Century.”

Scientific American’s Christie Nicholson wrote that:

Research shows that active lifestyles, both mentally and physically, slow down brain aging. Scientists thus feel it’s important to know when mental decline typically starts so that people who are getting older — and that’s all of us — can be encouraged to get active sooner rather than later. And have a decent chance to find those car keys.

Image by Ed Yourdon, used under its Creative Commons license.

Filed Under: Elder Care, Health

Aging in Place: Seniors and Boomers Want to Stay Home

red houseAs we age, the specter of living in a nursing home looms larger and larger. And as time goes by, it becomes harder and harder to manage day-to-day life without assistance. Despite this, the vast majority of seniors don’t want assisted living. They want to remain in their own homes as long as possible — by “aging in place.”

The key to aging in place is to overcome the factors that rob one of independence. Tom Banse of VOA News brings us word of one approach geared toward helping seniors stay at home as long as possible:

[...]  A ‘virtual village,’ a new breed of nonprofit which provides a local network of volunteers and service providers dedicated to helping the elderly age in place.

They assist seniors with anything from transportation and grocery delivery to home repairs and dog walking. The concept originated in Boston a decade ago and has since grown into what you might call a national movement. An informal network of villages includes more than 150 others in development or already serving clients.

If you live in Lone Tree, CO, you’re lucky enough to be in a community that is actively planning for the surge in older population. Jane Reuter of Our Colorado News reports:

Lone Tree’s leaders are planning for the wave, and aim to make living in the city as easy as possible for its older residents. Councilmembers Sharon Van Ramshorst and Jackie Millet will host meetings on the subject at 1 and 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Lone Tree Civic Center. They’re looking for residents 60 and up to offer insight into aging-related community concerns. From there, they will establish a working group to focus on meeting the needs of future seniors.

‘Based on the projections of the large increase of those over 65 in the next 10 to 30 years, we need to look at this coming change now,’ Van Ramshorst said. ‘What are the things we need to be doing to prepare?’

Local developers already are working to meet the anticipated need, creating a medical corridor between Highlands Ranch and Parker, and constructing senior care centers and skilled nursing facilities in the Parker and Lone Tree area.

Most people are not fortunate enough to live in areas that are planning ahead like that. This means that it is vital to explore options for living more safely and independently.

One thing that can extend independence is exercise. Everything from physical frailty to dementia can be either prevented or improved by regular exercise. (Consult  your physician before embarking on any program of exercise as everyone’s needs and situation are different. Improper exercise can actually make things worse.)

Another good measure to take is securing your home. Accidents can have much greater effect on older bones and muscles. There is a wide variety of products that can make it safer to navigate the home as the years go on.

Image by MidiMacMan (Johnathan J. Stegeman), used under it’s Creative Commons license.

Filed Under: Advice for Seniors

Stay Heart-Healthy in Heart-Attack Season

The cold of winter can endanger our heart health. Some physicians actually refer to this time of year as “heart attack season.”

Some estimates indicate that 53% more heart attacks happen in the winter than during the summer months. WebMD notes that the American Heart Association observed the rate of heart disease-related deaths increases sharply between Dec. 25 and Jan. 7, peaking on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

There are many theories circulating about why this occurs. Stephen P. Glasser, M.D., a professor of preventive medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, told WebMD that this spike may be related to the “change in the ratio of daylight hours to dark hours, which changes the hormonal balance, and the hormones involved, such as cortisol, can lower the threshold for a cardiovascular event.”

Dr. Glasser adds that research has shown that wintertime heart-related incidents occur more frequently in the morning hours, which is linked to an early-morning rise in blood pressure:

In the winter, people tend to exert themselves or do yard work in the morning because it gets dark earlier … This shift of activities to morning hours adds to the normal circadian variation in mornings — further increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and the hormones that lower the threshold for a cardiovascular event.

Sid Kirchheimer, writing in the AARP Bulletin, says winter’s heart dangers are primarily the result of colder temperatures. The body typically compensates for the cold by constricting the arteries, increasing blood pressure and, eventually, making the heart work harder.

Dr. Holly Andersen, director of education and outreach at the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, explains:

When the temperature outside drops, our blood vessels narrow to prevent our bodies from losing heat. This is a natural response that can also put people with heart conditions and those involved in strenuous exercise at greater risk of having a heart attack.

Those constricting arteries can cause tears or splits in the plaque lining the arteries, which can form blood clots. The blood clots can trigger a heart attack or stroke, both of which also occur more frequently during winter.

Some researchers have linked an increased incidence of heart attack or stroke — among other ailments commonly associated with aging — to vitamin D deficiency. Although physicians estimate that all you need to maintain a healthy level of vitamin D is about 15 minutes of sun on your arms each day, it’s difficult in the shorter winter months to get a sufficient supply of sun. Also, some older people may need vitamin D supplements to maintain optimal heart health. Consult a physician regarding individual supplementation needs.

Shoveling SnowAlthough there can be numerous factors that can contribute to winter illnesses, shoveling snow remains among the most strenuous and dangerous winter exercise activities precisely because it can raise blood pressure. Some typically sedentary individuals may feel compelled to clear their driveway when the first snows fall, not realizing that this is a real workout. The danger can be compounded if a heart attack is mistaken for a pulled muscle and treatment delayed.

Coupled with the other effects of colder temperatures on the body, shoveling snow can increase heart-attack risk dramatically.

Dr. Andersen offers the following tips to help you safely shovel snow:

  • Warm up. Warm up with stretching and light activity before shoveling, exercising, or beginning more strenuous physical activities.
  • Bundle up. When going out to shovel, always wear a scarf over your mouth and nose to warm the air before you breathe in, and dress in layers. Layering clothes underneath a windproof and waterproof outer shell helps maintain body heat.
  • Push the shovel. It is less strenuous to push the snow rather than lifting it, and this reduces the risk of overexerting yourself.
  • Take breaks. You should take frequent breaks while shoveling to give your muscles, especially your heart muscle, a chance to relax. You may also consider sharing the work with a friend to make the workload lighter and ensure that you are not alone in the event of an emergency.

If you are over the age of 50, overweight, out of shape, or have previously suffered a heart attack — consult a doctor before shoveling snow or starting any exercise routine.

Image by wunluv (Santhan Naidoo), used under its Creative Commons license.

Filed Under: Advice for Seniors, Health

Aging Does Not Cause Sleep Problems

PillowsIt’s a commonly held belief that aging causes sleep problems. The stereotypical image of an older adult nodding off at an inappropriate time is ingrained in our culture, but the reason for that drowsiness in not what people commonly think. The notion that seniors need more or less sleep than their younger counterparts is also a myth.

The real culprit behind these fallacies is the fact that those seniors are not getting enough sleep, or decent sleep, at night.

The reasons for this can be varied and often include one or more of the following: chronic pain, heart disease, respiratory illness, arthritis, medications, inactivity, depression, post-menopause, anxiety, and stress. The least important factor is age itself. Lack of sleep is merely the symptom in these cases, and it is treatment of the root cause that is required.

“So why not catch up on that missed sleep during the day?,” you might ask. Well, that’s not as effective as you might think. The Better Sleep Council released data back in 1994 on this topic, revealing that:

Losing sleep at night results in a 24-hour problem for older adults. When seniors don’t get the sleep they need at night, daytime drowsiness dulls the senses and saps energy, impairing the ability to perform normal activities — such as driving or concentrating on a task — and increasing the risk of having or causing accidents. Even catching up on lost sleep with daytime naps is risky. Daily naps can create a vicious cycle that disrupts normal sleep patterns, making it harder to sleep well at night. Sleep experts caution seniors to limit naps to 30 minutes or cut them out completely if they interfere with regular nighttime sleep. In fact, Dr. Donald Bliwise, Director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Emory University Medical School, adds, ‘If excessive daytime sleepiness persists, it could signify a sleep disorder. Seniors should consult with their physicians.’

There are steps you can take to insure better chances of getting a good night’s rest. Here are a few of the ones recommended by About.com’s Senior Living section:

  • Create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment. To help you fall asleep, your bedroom should be dark, with good ventilation, and as quiet as you can make it. For safety’s sake, make sure you have a good bedside lamp that is easy to reach, a telephone for emergencies, and working smoke alarms in your bedroom and all through the house.
  • Follow your evening routine. Do the same things every night before you go to bed. Following a bedtime routine sends a silent signal to your brain and body that it is time to wind down and fall asleep.
  • Your bed is for sleep or sex. Your bedroom is for sleeping or for romantic interludes. It’s not a media center, and not a home office. Avoid any distractions that make it harder to fall asleep.

Check out their entire list, it’s got lots of good advice. Additionally, there are many options for enhancing the comfort and safety of your sleeping area. From gel-top pillows to the natural-sound generators, there is a vast array of products aimed specifically at the troubled sleeper. A good night’s sleep is vital for good physical and emotional health no matter what your age.

Image by Daehyun Park, used under its Creative Commons license.

Filed Under: Health

Winterize Your Skin

We protect our automobiles and homes from the onset of colder weather, but we often neglect ourselves.

The winter elements — cold temperatures, strong winds, and lower humidity — are especially damaging and drying to skin. Without proper daily care, skin stays dry as well as flaky, and can even become itchy and inflamed.

Old Woman's HandsDr. Monica Halem, a dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, says there are several steps you can take to have healthier winter skin starting with an effective skin care regime.

Daily moisturizers are essential. She says for individuals with normal to dry skin, a cream-based moisturizer is ideal. Those with sensitive skin should choose a moisturizer without fragrance or lanolin. Apply products directly to wet skin after bathing to ensure that the moisturizer traps any surface moisture.

Clean skin is important; however, Dr. Halem says:

Cleanse your skin, but don’t overdo it. Too much cleansing removes the skin’s natural moisturizers. It is enough to wash your face, hands, feet, and between the folds of your skin once a day. While you can rinse your trunk, arms and legs daily, it is not necessary to use soap or cleanser on these areas every day.

If you have itchy skin, she suggests using less hot water and soap. Take short lukewarm showers or baths with a non-detergent-based product. Pat rather than rub the skin to dry it.

Another step to healthier skin is adding humidity to those environments where central or other indoor heating may be drying. “Room humidifiers can be beneficial,” she says. “However, be sure to clean the unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions to reduce mold and fungi.”

When outdoors in the elements, Dr. Halem says it’s important to protect areas that may be exposed to the wind, especially the face. She suggests covering your face and using a petrolatum-based balm on your lips.

It’s equally important to take cover from the winter sun. Use a sunscreen with a sun-protection factor of 15 or greater any time you plan to be outdoors for prolonged periods. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is best, advises WebMD. Apply it to both face and hands. Overexposure to sunlight can lead to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.

Frigid temperatures can result in skin disorders or frostbite in some people. Dr. Halem says you should see a doctor immediately if you develop color changes in your hands or feet accompanied by pain or ulceration. Extreme pain in a finger or toe followed by a loss of sensation, for example, may mean you have frostbite.

Susan Ciminelli, owner of the Susan Ciminelli Spa, told Martha Stewart’s viewers that it’s also important for people of all ages to keep properly hydrated in the winter to maintain skin health. She says some drinks — even diet soda — can be dehydrating. This is especially true of hard alcohol. If you must drink, opt for red wine in moderation, or try spring water with a slice of lemon instead of soda.

Apart from ample water, other good fluids to consume, according to The Salt Lake Tribune’s Patty Henetz, include non-caffeinated tea, juices, and soup. If you must drink a cup of coffee, follow it with by drinking an equal amount of plain water.

If you have skin issues at any time of year that aren’t easily resolved and are persisent — dry skin, scaling, itching, skin growths, or rashes – seek treatment from your primary care physician or dermatologist.

Image by Horia Varlan, used under its Creative Commons license.

Filed Under: Advice for Seniors, Health

Medicare Is Changing, No Matter Who Wins the White House

MedicareEverything political kicks into high gear as election season draws nigh, and one of the more highly politicized debates is the one surrounding Medicare. And — make no mistake — Medicare is changing.

Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar of the Associated Press (via AJC) is one of the few to present a balanced look at the situation. He discovers that the two sides are really not that far apart:

Baby boomers take note: Medicare as your parents have known it is headed for big changes no matter who wins the White House in 2012. You may not like it, but you might have to accept it.

Dial down the partisan rhetoric and surprising similarities emerge from competing policy prescriptions by President Barack Obama and leading Republicans such as Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan.

Limit the overall growth of Medicare spending? It’s in both approaches.

Squeeze more money from upper-income retirees and some in the middle-class? Ditto.

Raise the eligibility age? That too, if the deal is right.

Over 1.5 million baby boomers a year are signing up for Medicare benefits, making the program’s future of vital importance to anyone over 50. As far as economic issues go, this is a massive one. Since health care costs are not predictable, Medicare, as it currently stands, means a great deal to those enrolled. If health problems do enter the picture, the benefits reaped from the program can rapidly exceed the amount paid into the system.

The main dividing line between the Left and the Right on this issue is the idea of privatization. Right now, 25% of Medicare recipients are in private insurance plans under the banner of Medicare Advantage. Rep. Ryan’s plan would place 100% of future beneficiaries into the private plans.

Alonso-Zaldivar does a great job of breaking things down into plain English, so I will direct you to his article on AJC  for more details.

No matter which side gains ascendancy, the entire equation will be changing. Numerous factors will ensure that. Some of those include:

  • The program will be running out of money in 2024. After that, it will only be taking in enough payroll taxes to cover 90% of projected benefits.
  • Researchers note that between 20% and 30% of Medicare’s annual spending is wasted on treatments that offer little or no benefit.
  • Almost one-third of the 66 million Americans acting as caregivers to older relatives still have kids of their own in the home, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving. This places even more financial stress on those who rely on this safety net.

No matter what, it’s worth becoming informed on this subject. In the meantime, staying safe and healthy is one of the best ways to prepare for the future.

Image: Medicare logo, used under Fair Use: Reporting.

Filed Under: Health

Flu Immunizations: It’s Never Too Late for Protection

USACE Employees Receive Flu ProtectionAlthough flu season typically starts in mid-October, physicians say it’s never too late to be vaccinated — particularly for those at greatest risk for suffering from complications from the flu.

Flu season begins in the fall and can last through the spring. Doctors recommend being vaccinated before the onset of flu season, but if you have forgotten your shot, you can still be immunized in December or January.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it takes about two weeks for the body to develop an immune response after a vaccination. The agency particularly recommends immunization for those individuals at highest risk of complications from the flu. This includes people over the age of 65 and those with chronic health conditions such as heart, lung, or kidney disease, or a weakened immune system.

The CDC estimates that “90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths and more than 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations in the United States each year occur in people 65 years and older. This is because human immune defenses become weaker with age.”

Dr. Mark Lachs, director of geriatrics at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, says :

Adults age 65 and older face the greatest risk of serious complications and even death as a result of influenza. That is why it is so important that they get immunized. Even when older adults contract the flu after immunization, which can happen, those cases tend to be less severe and of shorter duration.

There are two different vaccines available to seniors this year, notes the CDC. One is a regular-dose flu vaccine; the other is specifically designed for people 65 and older with a higher dose.

“The high dose vaccine is associated with a stronger immune response to vaccination,” according to the CDC. But the agency adds that “whether the stronger immune response results in greater protection against influenza illness in older adults is not yet known.”

The following groups should be immunized against the flu every year:

  • Children beginning at 6 months of age
  • Pregnant women
  • People 50 years of age and older
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and any form of immunosuppressive illness
  •  People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

Physicians say it is extremely important for those living with or caring for individuals who are at high risk for complications from flu to be vaccinated. This includes not only health care providers, but also other individuals who may come into contact with the household, especially those who may have children less than six months of age, who are too young to be vaccinated.

You can prevent the possibility of becoming ill by taking some simple precautions. Cover your coughs and ask others around you to do the same. Wash your hands often and thoroughly as needed. Also, avoid people who are sick. There are those who may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms, but they may not have a fever.

Know the symptoms of the flu and get medical advice or attention. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some individuals may experience vomiting and diarrhea.

For more information about staying healthy during flu season, check with your health care provider or primary care physician.

Image by USACE Europe District (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District), used under its Creative Commons license.

Filed Under: Advice for Seniors, Health

Resolve to Enjoy a Healthy New Year

Wednesday 12.31.2008The new year is a perfect time to reflect and reevaluate before resolving to make positive changes. Health experts say your 2012 resolutions should include striving to age well — no matter your age.

Common additions to the New Year’s resolutions list involve moving more and eating better, but there are many activities we can incorporate into our lives to enrich them.

Dr. Terri Ginsberg of the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging at The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Osteopathic Medicine says successful aging isn’t just about having good health — it is taking charge of your personal well-being.

“Successful aging isn’t difficult, but it does require a personal commitment to active living,” says Dr. Ginsberg. Making such a commitment will enable you to live a vibrant, independent life, regardless of your age.

Dr. Michael Finkelstein, a physician and medical director of a New York wellness center, says that it is common in the holiday bustle to forget to take time to reflect and be grateful.

Cultivating a better mental attitude can contribute to better overall health. Dr. Finkelstein says that among the things we can do to create a healthier mindset is to practice contentment:

Contentment is never realized through external sources alone, and inner stillness and peace of mind are the foundations of true contentment. Be happy with what you have. Perhaps you are better off than some of your friends and family, financially or mentally. Remember that, and share the resources you do have, financial or otherwise, to help them find relief in a way that transcends solving immediate problems. A silver lining exists … while you may have to do some work to find it, it is out there.

He adds that negative emotions such as guilt and anger, and the accompanying stress and negativity “can wreck havoc on the body. Emotional or physical stress induces the release of certain hormones which have significant effects on how our body functions, and can make us sick and fatigued. In order to keep your body functioning at its best,” he says, “including keeping your metabolism stable, make it a rule not to beat yourself up and to take time to look at the positive qualities of life.”

ResolutionsDr. Ginsberg  suggests adults — no matter their age — heed these “10 Resolutions for Healthy Aging”:

  1. Sleep at night. Avoid frequent daytime naps, late-night snacks, or watching television in bed.
  2. Eat lots of colors. Vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables on your plate mean a healthy diet that keeps your body moving.
  3. Get checked out. Catch up on any health screenings your doctor has recommended, and don’t forget eye and dental checkups.
  4. Worry less. It really is possible to “worry yourself sick.” Excessive worrying can lead to high blood pressure, digestive problems, chronic headaches, and unhealthy weight gain.
  5. Stay in touch. Living alone doesn’t mean being alone. Reach out to friends, neighbors, and relatives.
  6. Move more. Exercise improves heart health, and good heart health helps prevent a range of related disorders, including blood clots and depression.
  7. Read more. You can “exercise your brain” with newspapers, books, magazines, or puzzles.
  8. Laugh and sing. Is there a better way to enjoy life? And both will help you to worry less.
  9. Take control. Be proactive about your own health. Ask your doctor questions about your health and for advice on positive lifestyle changes.
  10. Get involved. Local organizations of all types need volunteers. Helping others is the best tonic for feeling good about yourself.

Images by jesse757 (top) and mt 23 (lower left), used under their Creative Commons license.

Filed Under: Health

Seniors Want Simplicity From Their Technology

WOW! Computer for Seniors

WOW! Computer for Seniors

Each year, more and more seniors embrace new technology. Electronic devices like smartphones are among the favorites for the over-50 set. After all, they grew up on electronics, having watched phones shed their cords and become smarter than the computers of even just 10 years ago.

Is there one thing that older adults want from their technology? One thing that is fairly common across the board? Simplicity of use, or, as they say in the industry, “user experience.”

In 2009, the AARP and Microsoft sponsored a research project, gathering 60 people at a time for dinner and extended discussion about their thoughts and attitudes about technology. The participants in the study were between 50 and 60 years old, and the sessions were held in four U.S. cities — San Francisco, Phoenix, Chicago, and New York.

Here’s a link to the full report, “Boomers and Technology: An Extended Conversation” (PDF), and the pertinent quote from its pages:

Boomers blame manufacturers for creating unnecessary complexity; according to research, ‘Too many features’ is the primary reason for frustration among 57 percent of boomers.

‘My little digital camera, which fits in my pocket, came with an instruction manual that was bigger than the one that came with my Subaru.” There was agreement in Phoenix: ‘If every piece of technology came with one page of instructions that assumed you could read English and follow directions, that would be very good. If you can’t explain it in one page, then you need to make it simpler.’ [...]

The group made it clear that there are two aspects to ease of use. The first is learning how a device operates. The second is fixing it when something goes wrong. And boomers know from experience that something will go wrong. Often they take it in stride: ‘I love my GPS, although every once in a while it’s really, really wrong. But I wouldn’t get rid of it. When it’s wrong, I just think it’s like driving with a spacey friend. ‘Turn here!’ Where’s here?’

The continued rise in smartphone use by older adults would seem to support this. Apps make it a lot easier to use social media platforms by simplifying and streamlining the interface. As time goes by and boomer spending has more influence on the market, you can see their desires made manifest. The advent of computers for seniors that boast both simplicity of setup and operation is a great example of this.

Past studies have shown that as people reach 60, adoption of technology declines drastically. Not so with the boomers. That’s a generation that was raised with technology: Most of them were somewhere between their teens and their early 30s when the first desktop computers debuted. This comfort level with technology, combined with the fact that they generally have more discretionary income than the younger generation, ensures that their desires will influence the shape of coming technology — more so every year as waves of boomers reach retirement age.

Filed Under: Technology
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »