How Technology Will Change The Way You Age

After threat of bad weather caused a necessary reschedule, guests gathered Wednesday, February 27 at Ardenwoods for our first event of the year. Edward Jones advisor, Doug Rostick, delivered a presentation about how technology will change the way that you age. As we age every day occurrences such as going to the grocery store, driving to the park for a walk or communicating with our loved ones can become more burdensome. Rostick addressed the advances in technology that make maintaining your every day life easier.

In his presentation, Rostick referenced data collected and distributed by the MIT Age Lab. You might think that technology makes things more difficult as you age, but in reality it can serve to make your life easier. Below you will find the five that the Age Lab identifies.

5 Ways Technology Will Change the Way You Age

1. Communicating with friends and loved ones in the virtual world.

   1. There are so many apps, websites and programs that exist in today’s world that communicating with your loved ones, even if they are in a different timezone or country is simple. Not only can you call them, but technology today takes it up a notch with video chatting. These websites and applications are also a great way to stay in touch with your social circle if you choose to make the move to a retirement community such as Ardenwoods.

2. Staying active in the work force or with your education, on your terms.

   1. With the plethora of online academic resources, you can continue your learning at any age. There are online classes through some universities, or sites like Lynda.com and Khan Academy that offer courses on multiple topics.
   2. In addition to continuing your education, you can also stay in the workforce on your terms. You can sign up to host parts of your home on airbnb or even apply to be a driver for a company such as Lyft or Uber. These job opportunities allow you to create a flexible schedule while also providing, sometimes much needed, socialization.

3. Staying mobile.

   1. One thing that is proven to lead to premature aging signs is loss of mobility. When someone is homebound because they are unable to drive, they become reclusive and oftentimes their health begins to decline. For these reasons, Ardenwoods hosts community resident events on campus, to provide those who might not be comfortable driving a space to socialize and enjoy life. For those that would like to leave campus and perform tasks such as grocery shopping, visiting the salon or going out to dinner, there are services such as Lyft and Uber that offer relatively inexpensive rides that help you maintain your typical lifestyle.
   2. Meal, grocery or restaurant delivery allows you to remain self sufficient in your own home, even if you choose not to leave the house.

4. Smart homes.

   1. Technology now offers you the opportunity to order a service to help you complete an everyday task, like putting together a desk or hanging  a picture. You can also read online reviews of services before you use them, so you never enter into a professional relationship with someone like a landscaper or builder, blind.
   2. Your home can basically manage itself nowadays with locks that lock themselves after a certain amount of time, thermostats that monitor themselves and services such as Alexa and Google Home that allow you to order products or even make a grocery list simply by speaking.

5. Monitor your health.

   1. Wearable technology has become a trend in recent years. Your watch can track your steps and even measure your resting versus elevated heart rate.

We want to thank Doug Rostick for taking the time out of his day to come and speak to our guests. If you are interested in attending our next event, please give us a call at (828)- 684-7330 or fill out our contact form here!