After a lengthy chat with one of my friends, the subject of modern technology came up. She told me that because she lives alone, her daughter had given her a personal alarm device that she wears around her neck.

I was thinking about our conversation, and how my friend said she felt safer wearing the device. It had given her and her daughter peace of mind, and my friend a feeling of independence.

I began to think of how modern technology was helping people live a more fulfilling life and especially the elderly.

So I thought about some of the things that affect the elderly, lack of mobility, memory loss, vision and hearing impairment and loneliness. These are some of the things that technology can help the elderly to live independently in their own homes.

Technology helps with safety, health monitoring, communication, and on demand services, helping older individuals to have better medical care as well as peace of mind.

I wear glasses and hearing aids, which helps me to live a full social life, thanks to modern technology.

Computers are a great source of knowledge and entertainment. We can use Skype and other such devices to speak with loved ones face to face, regardless of how far away they may be.

Computers can be very confronting for some older people but when they are shown the benefits, and taken step by step through the learning procedure, they will greatly benefit from it. I know that I did.

I remember several years ago my grandson showing me how to turn on the computer and how to use the mouse by playing solitaire. It was simple and enjoyable learning and understanding my computer. I am still learning new skills every day.

Today I use my computer all the time to write my stories and my blogs. I have been able to look up subjects of interest and to be able to keep abreast of the world around me. I like to play word games and solve puzzles with keep my brain active as well as the pleasure it gives me.

As a person that likes doing crafts, the computer opens up a world of different ideas and skills to me and others like me.

Now with portable laptops and I pads we are able to have them with us wherever we might be.

Mobile phones keep people in touch with family and friends. Technology brings the world to the elderly,  to me it’s like having the world in my pocket.

When we are feeling lonely or need something, we can pick up the phone and speak to someone.

There are so many interesting things to learn about this ever changing world of ours and the people in it.

Keeping an open mind and learning more about technology helps the elderly to live a full and happy life.

To my fellow elderly friends, enjoy the new technology, it helps us to stay in touch with the world around us and what is better still, it keeps us young.

So thanks to technology, I have the world in my pocket.

– Nancy