Sandwiched
The words “technology” and “elderly” don’t exactly go together, as many of us know. And, let’s face it, there are a lot of things older people know that some of us don’t anymore – driving a stick shift, making most of our food from scratch, etc. Touché.
For the first category, however, companies are getting smart and making technology easier for, let’s say, people of a certain age. After last week’s column, readers reached out to me about two marvelous creations that can bring some joy to elderly folks, especially now when so many of them are isolated due to COVID-19.
The first product is The Skylight Frame (skylightframe.com). This has become so popular that it’s on backorder – and I can see why. From their website, Skylight is a beautiful touch-screen, Wi-Fi connected digital photo frame that lets you email photos from your phone or computer directly onto your loved one’s frame – from anywhere in the world.
I can just imagine my mom waking up each day looking forward to seeing new photos of her dog Rex (who now lives with us), her great-grandchildren, or anything fun that we all would like to send to her! My adopted grandmother, Betty Gerrard, whom many of you know, loves hers and recommended it to me.
Mom’s birthday isn’t until May, but I’m thinking my siblings and I can go in on this together and get her this frame as an early gift.
Another wonderful invention is the Grand Pad (grandpad.net). This one might take some convincing on Mom’s part, but this tablet was created especially for … well … the elderly, as its name suggests. From their website, the essential apps and services on the GrandPad eliminate the clutter, distractions and complications of other devices, allowing seniors to instantly connect with loved ones.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve just wanted to send my mother a little “hello” message via email or text, but of course, she’s never been a fan of computers or cell phones. The GrandPad would allow me to do this and so much more.
Betty has a similar device and she’s always thrilled to tell people “I have a TABLET.” The pride in her voice makes me chuckle.
While neither of these, or other technology, can take the place of a face-to-face visit (or a hug … boy, am I ready to return to hugging) they can certainly help ease things for the older folks we love so much.