How Seniors Can Navigate AI, Technology For Convenience, Comfort In Old Age

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has established its unwavering presence in every aspect of our life.

While many of the younger generation might take time or require new learning to understand these basics, for the senior citizens it is nothing short of a nightmare. Learning something new, and that too, something related to technology, at a time when you are retired from work or on the verge of retirement, can be overwhelming.

Sample this: A 65-year old might not be willing to open a bank account online through the process of e-KYC due to the alarming increase in online frauds and data theft.

They would feel more at ease in making a trip to the bank and physically submit the documents because of the element of human interaction, which is missing in a virtual world. 

Even though these e-KYC procedures used by financial institutions are considered safe due to the extensive layers of security, for many seniors navigating the layers of digital interface on such platforms is a problem.

However, due to the increased use of technology, it is important for senior citizens to embrace it in order to understand the difference between a genuine and a fake digital platform and not fall prey to a scam.

So, here’s how senior citizens can get a grip on AI and other digital technologies.

Mental Stimulation and Learning: 

AI-driven tools, such as games, puzzles and riddles can help seniors stimulate their mind. It helps them keep their memory in check, hence preventing memory related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia. AI applications, such as Chat-GPT may also help them learn facts about different things they might be interested in, as it refines the Web search for useful information, customising it according to the question. 

It can be a learning tool for people interested in history, arts and other nuggets of information. It is a valuable tool for mental exercise through cross questioning, quiz and puzzles.

Wearable Health Bands: 

There are many brands that provide cutting-edge wearable accessories for senior citizens. These include watches that take vitals, detect heart rate, blood pressure, step-counts and even if a person falls and the damages caused by the fall in vitals. 

These health bands may help seniors who live independently to maintain their independence post-retirement or in their old age. It also allows them to assess any abnormalities in their vitals and visit a trusted clinic for a precautionary check-up.

Smart Home Technology: 

Technology in home security is booming. Smart home tech allows people entry through pass codes that can be changed on a daily basis for enhanced security.

Such technology detects incorrect pass codes and sends alerts for any sort of breach or intrusion. In case of a forgotten passcode, a senior may either alert the tech company to avoid setting off home alarm and reset the passcode. Other smart home tech also includes intercom and camera for audio and video communications, thus allowing seniors to report anything suspicious.

Social Engagement and Problem Solving: 

Technology and AI robots are becoming human companions, significantly decreasing loneliness and enhancing mental health in old age. 

These robots and online applications like social media facilitate easy communication over an audio or video call allowing real-time interaction. Applications like Chat-GPT can also serve as a problem solver or a source of information for which you might otherwise have to surf the Internet for hours.

Net banking: 

Internet banking facilities like online transactions, Net banking apps provided by the banks are very useful for seniors. 

They allow seniors to make investments in various instruments, such as fixed deposits (FDs), recurring deposits (RDs) stock market, real estate, mutual funds etc, without having the need to physically visit the bank. Initially, it might seem very complex at the beginning, and now many banks are also introducing a new option of door-step banking for senior citizens.

Door-step banking allows seniors various banking facilities like cash withdrawal, deposit, investment, acquiring check book etc from the comfort of their homes.