In the digital age, it’s easy to think of progress as something that is created by new technology. A new app or Zoom conferencing or assistive technology can, and do, make life easier in many ways. I see tech companies plowing money into developing assistive devices for seniors.* But, tech. is a weak substitute for being in the same room with someone and sharing an experience. As a teacher, it was blatantly obvious that no matter how proficient I got at teaching my class virtually, it could never replace the impact and connection of in-person school.
Retirement Residents And Virtual Connections
In retirement homes, they have struggled to help the residents use new technology. Many people have cell phones and ipads that were given to them by their families but they are very reluctant to use them. Some keep them securely locked in their room safe and never bring them out.** Even after being shown how to use them, many prefer not to.
Forced To Connect Virtually During the Pandemic
Although, Zoom helped retirement residents stay in touch with their families when they were in lockdown, it was a poor substitute that was quickly discarded once restrictions were lifted. Was it because residents were uncomfortable with new technology that they didn’t really understand? Maybe.
Tech. Didn’t Survive
There is power in being in a the same space as another person and residents of retirement homes are reminding us of this. They are reluctant to give up the rich experience of being with others for the virtual one.
Children And Virtual Connections
My virtual students had the best day of the whole school year when we were finally able to meet each other in-person and go to the local park. Such a simple outing, was a feast after a famine of connection. We had been seeing each other daily for 11 months, but that day at the park was more fulfilling than all the previous hours of on-line experiences.
The Working World And Virtual Connection
Businesses acknowledge that that for emotional, sensitive topics where connection is needed, face-to-face communication is more valuable.*** When we try to solve social problems with technology first, we may be ignoring the most powerful tool that we have: being in the same space as other people. Instead of looking to tech first, maybe we should be wondering if a situation could best be solved with more person-to-person contact.
People Need People
“By 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over,” according to the World Health Organization.**** That’s a lot of seniors to consider as we try to solve life’s problems. It’s important to remember that it’s not the meals that seniors look forward to from Meals-On-Wheels, as much as the person who delivers it.***** Don’t disregard the power of being in the presence of others to improve lives: people as progress.
* https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/07/tech-older-adults
**Anecdotal reports from a retirement resident.
***Forbes Coaches Council list 13 ways that face-to-face is preferable to virtual meetings.
****https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
*****https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/learn-more/research/social-connection
Retired, And Now What? 