The use of technology by the elderly

The use of technology and its' providing information allows the elderly to face more easily the difficulties of modern life, trespassing the limits of their social and emotional isolation, thus achieving a more qualitative living. The purpose of this research was to explore whether the elderly were familiar with modern technology. Material and Method: The sample studied consisted of 300 people, 65-85 years old. Collection of data was conducted by the completion of an anonymous questionnaire. Analysis of data was performed using the SPSS 15 statistical package and one-way ANOVA x²-test, and t-tests were applied for the statistical process. Results: Of the 300 individuals studied, 134 were men and 166 women. 79.7% were in the age group of 65 to 74 years. All respondents reported that they used everyday appliances. In detail, 94% of women used machines that help in household tasks such as washing machines, 98.5% iron, whereas the 98.8% of men preferred watching television. Regarding the use of ATM machines, women faced more difficulties with a statistical significant difference, compared to men, p<0,001. On the contrary, 93.37% of women handled mobile phones almost satisfactorily compared to men, p<0,001. Both sexes, however, preferred the hearing headset, 72.93% women and 89.76% men, when facing hearing difficulties. Conclusions: Aging is a normal procedure in which deduction in all biological and mental functions takes place, leading to exhaustion and losing patience. Older people constantly face with the challenges of contemporary reality, as the ever-evolving technology. For this reason, they need appropriate support and guidance in order to satisfactorily meet with the difficulties of everyday living.