Seniors are among the leaders in embracing new technology and many companies are starting to take notice.
Niagara Falls, ON -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/23/2010 -- All over the world, people of all ages are embracing technology by “Skyping”, “Tweeting” and “Facebooking” and everything else Internet related. Seniors are among the leaders in embracing this movement and many companies are starting to take notice.
In the last 4 years, senior citizen internet usage has skyrocketed from 26% to a whopping 56%. Over 20 million senior citizens are joining the online community, even Facebook has shown a 500% increase in members ages 55 and up. To make using the internet senior-friendly, websites such as bigkeys.com or chestercreek.com have created specialized keyboards, with larger keys that aid those suffering from vision-loss or arthritis.
A recent America Online poll has shown that 70% of senior citizens feel that the internet helps bring family closer together, it is especially important when grandparents live further away. Levana recently released the LV-TW500, a digital wireless, baby monitor that can be viewed online through any internet browser. It utilizes smart phone advances as well as Skype, so grandparents can always see their grandchild. More information on this product can be found at http://www.myLEVAVA.com.
Seniors are taking advantage of new technology for entertainment and recreational purposes. Retirement homes throughout the country are putting Nintendo wiis in their game rooms. According to MSN news “the wii sports games have shown to help seniors boost their hand eye co-ordination in a way that bingo or mahjong never could.” Nintendo has also introduced other games directed towards senior citizens, such as Brian Age, which helps boost cognitive abilities. More information on the Nintendo wii and senior directed games can be found at http://www.nintendo.com
Not only are seniors able to stay in touch with family through the internet, but the many advances in technology are also helping seniors, stay in shape, stay social and keep their minds sharp. With an estimated 21.4 million people becoming seniors within the next 5 years, take note of the new tech products aimed at seniors in the near future.