SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – It’s Older Americans month and the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts and the Springfield Department of Elder Affairs hosted a health and tech showcase for this age group.
In the tech savvy world that we live in today, the Western Massachusetts Public Health Institute is advocating for age friendly health and technology to provide older adults in Springfield with the resources they need to be healthy as they age.
Samantha Hamilon from the institute says in this day and age, it’s important to have technology innovations that can support older adults when it comes to their health, “What are some technology to help support people in navigating the health systems, to coordinate efforts when it comes to supporting family members, caring for each other.”
Live Well Springfield works with age friendly partners to advance health care and address technology barriers for older adults.
“There’s monitoring that you can do to have your blood pressure monitored through an app nowadays, kiosk that folks can have that checks their blood pressure,” said Hamilton.
Olivia LeValle-Luster from Springfield says this event helps older adults learn about technology that will keep them be on top of their health, “A lot of people don’t know how to use the computer, they don’t know about their health problems they may have. You can find out your health on the internet.”
Kimothy Jones from Baystate Health told 22News some older adults are afraid or intimidated of technology, finding it difficult to communicate with family and friends, “It’s so important for them to be able to communicate with their families and their friends. They may want to look up bus schedules but don’t know how to download certain apps that may be readily available.”
Jones says learning how to keep safe and maintain your health through technology is essential, so they are also offering training services to work one on one with older adults.