SPC has conducted a study that reveals concerning data about the use of technology among people over the age of 70 in Spain. According to the research, 90% of these users face difficulties when handling their mobile phones. This finding highlights the digital divide affecting this age group, emphasizing how technology can become a key ally in the search for healthy aging and the improvement of the safety of the elderly.
The holiday season, a time for family reunions, underlines the need to stay in touch throughout the year. Often, routine and daily responsibilities make it difficult for relatives to visit the elderly regularly, which can lead to a feeling of isolation. In this context, technology emerges as a fundamental tool to maintain connection through messages, calls, and video calls.
However, the SPC study points out that many seniors see technology more as an obstacle than a solution. 78% of the respondents believe that the difficulties they face in handling devices have a negative impact on their social integration. Despite more than 90% of people over 70 years old having access to technology, most of them struggle to use it effectively. In fact, one in three encounters problems when trying to make or receive calls.
Despite these setbacks, the study also reflects a positive outlook among family members and caregivers regarding the potential of technology to improve the quality of life of the elderly. 52% of them believe that technology can help reduce isolation, while 48% identify it as useful for managing health, for example, by reminding them of medical appointments.
Among the initiatives to facilitate the use of technology, SPC Care stands out, the first remote management application for non-smartphones created by SPC. This tool is designed to help seniors overcome difficulties in using technology in a simple and non-invasive way. It allows relatives to remotely configure the phone and receive alerts about its use and security status. Additionally, the SPC POLARIS, which is the first fully remotely controllable mobile phone, complements this action, so that seniors can communicate with their loved ones without facing the barriers posed by technology.
With the arrival of the holiday season, there is a significant opportunity to promote the use of technological tools that not only facilitate communication but also empower the elderly and help them better integrate into an increasingly digitalized environment.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
