seniority

TBH with all the smash and grabs going on and with theft being on the rise in California, I’m going to opt out of being a shop owner.

Instead, I would rather have an inclusive and accessible space where I could teach seniors how to use their electronics.  They would be able to bring in their cell phones, smart watches, tablets, or laptops.  I would teach them the basics: how to get on the internet, use their health plan’s app, send an email, text, everything Facebook/Instagram, Zoom or Facetime, YouTube, UberEats/DoorDash/GrubHub/Instacart, and Pokemon Go.  Can you imagine how empowering this would be for them?

As tech evolves, many seniors find themselves on the periphery of this digital landscape.  When the country shut down because of COVID-19, my senior patients struggled with video visits, which was crucial for medical evaluations.  The inability for them to effectively use online services led to missed appointments and delayed care.  Can you say health inequity?

My senior patients aren’t well-versed in digital communication and I’ve seen their quality of life decline because of it.  If they had the tools and the basic tutorial on how to use these apps, this could combat loneliness, social isolation, and enhance their independence and quality of life.  It would also provide them with a support network essential for their health.