Some Seniors Struggle with Digital Tech – Why Alert1 is Different

Understanding digital technology is an important part of participating in the world, but many new technologies leave seniors behind. In 2019, a survey discovered that around one-third of adults over age 65 had never used the Internet. More than half of this population does not have Internet access at home, and while most older adults have cell phones, less than half of those with access use smartphones. Many like to blame these figures on senior aversion to digital technology, but it’s a more complicated topic. The good news is that you don’t need to be tech-savvy to use a medical alert device. Don’t let being left out of technological advances prevent you from getting timely care when you need it.

Digital technology developments have consistently left seniors behind. Not only do younger people receive basic technology training in schools and at work, but most technology just isn’t made for older adults. Computer screens are difficult to see, touch screens may not respond well to older fingers, and most devices require the ability to connect to wireless Internet. Beyond that, though, there are a few additional reasons why you may struggle with introducing digital technology to your home.

• Learning new things takes a lot of time, especially as you age. The brain does not as easily remember how to perform new tasks; becoming acquainted with a piece of technology at 65 is a lot different from learning at 15. Even if you want to learn, the process will be a lot harder.
• Many seniors may experience a fear of technology. In most cases, this fear is tied to technology inaccessibility. As we age, we experience changes to perception and motor control, which can make using computers, smartphones, and other devices exceedingly frustrating for older adults.
• Digital technology is financially inaccessible for some older adults, who may be living on a fixed income from retirement savings.

Unlike much of the digital technology introduced to the world, our medical alert devices are created with seniors in mind. It’s not that our products and systems are outdated. Our devices are waterproof, compatible with pacemakers, and connected to a 24/7 Command Center with modern telecommunications. But they’re also incredibly easy to use. With just the push of a button, you can immediately call for assistance. You won’t need to struggle through a long and complicated user manual or squint through tiny text on a small screen.

Most personal emergency response systems, including those offered from Alert1, use a three-step system. Those experiencing an emergency will only need to press the button on their device. This will automatically connect to an operator at an emergency response center, who will ask questions to better understand the situation. This operator will then assess your need and contact either an emergency service or a loved one. If your emergency leaves you unable to speak, the operator will still be able to help.

You may be hesitant to introduce new technology into your home, but medical alert systems from Alert1can save your life. You won’t have to dial phone numbers, you won’t need to log into an account, and you won’t need to connect to the Internet. Best of all, you can get our easy-to-use system at an affordable price. Our medical alert costsare consistently lower than the competition.