INDUSTRY & RESEARCH
campusreview.com.au
Getting on?
Get online
With proper training and support,
many more seniors can use
technology to add purpose
and dignity to their lives.
By Helen Hasan
M @bottlingfog
M
any fear our ageing population will place
intergenerational stress on the economy. I see a
more positive scenario, where a growing cohort
of motivated senior citizens remain valued and productive
members of society through their creative use of digital
technologies. Innovation means more than new widgets. Social
innovation through existing devices and applications can be
important in solving the critical demographic problems we now
face in our health and welfare systems.
Remaining productive and socially connected as we age can
be a major contributor to our health and wellbeing. However,
this is not always easy for many senior citizens. Isolation, either
at home or in residential care, can increase as people get older
and this can reduce their quality of life in many ways. While it’s
great to be involved and meet up in person, this