Mobile phone health management for seniors

Isn’t it funny, when you’re watching a movie that’s only slightly dated, to see a character use a mobile phone? Depending upon how old the movie is, the phone being used often looks only slightly smaller than a shoebox. The result is that a character who’s supposed to look rich and suave actually appears kind of like a dork. The speedy progression of technology leaves many of us feeling a bit breathless and dorky. How many of us use our cell phones merely for making calls anymore? We text, we Tweet, we take pictures, we check e-mail, we play music, we find our way via GPS. . .the list goes on and on.

By the time I replace a two-year-old phone, it’s about ten generations behind the most current technology. Once I upgrade, I need to relearn not only the new phone’s features, but also make sure I don’t underutilize it by not checking out the new applications possible.

What has become a minor inconvenience for me is a concern when I think about my parents. I got a mobile phone for them 7 years ago, hoping to keep them connected and in touch with services when they’re on the road. They have found it helpful, at least for an average of about 20 minutes a month. However, I worry that they’re cheating themselves out of potential life-changing, maybe even life-saving applications because of their hesitation around new technology. I’m excited about the potential of mobile phone health management and how helpful it could be for retirees like my parents. Yet my mom refuses to let me upgrade her phone, because the new ones are all too small, too different, too confusing. She likes her simple clunker, with its basic “On” button, “Off” button, and dial pad.

I try to encourage my parents to be a bit less resistant and understand how easy many new mobile phone applications can be. I’d like to get them acclimated now, while they’re still quite active and independent. My mom could use a medication tracker, and my dad could keep better track of his diet and glucose levels with a mobile diabetes application. If I can persuade them now, they’ll have a comfort level that may prompt them to truly utilize their mobile phone, rather than just occasionally use it.