Experts spoke about the difficulties of using modern technology in the elderly

More than 20% of people over the age of 55 have difficulty learning voice control, and 40% have difficulty using a mobile app. On September 23, experts from the STARWIND brand of household appliances told Izvestia about how difficulties affect their daily lives.

According to internist Ismail Askhabov, with age, the assimilation of new information becomes more difficult due to a decrease in the release of neurotransmitters in the brain.

"Even the work that was given without problems before is becoming more difficult.: This is especially associated with the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteochondrosis), and therefore a person often needs help," the specialist said.

Experts note that difficulties in mastering modern technology are associated not only with technical aspects, but also with psychological barriers. Thus, 58% of respondents say they are afraid of making mistakes and breaking expensive equipment, 55% do not want to change habits, and 52% are faced with interface congestion and management complexity.

In addition, older people often lack help in learning new techniques: 47% of respondents reported that they had no one to ask for advice. Most of the help is provided by children and grandchildren (88%), while only 4% can count on the support of friends or colleagues.

"When choosing household appliances for an elderly person, follow the principle of "the simpler, the better." An excellent option would be a device with a minimum of functions, mechanical switches and intuitive controls. Make sure that all the labels on the control panel are made in large contrasting font, and important functions have visual or audible confirmation signals," said Anna Nuzhina, STARWIND's leading brand manager.

She added that the main task is not to surprise loved ones with modern technology, but to provide them with comfort and care.

On August 20, Ruslan Isaev, a psychiatrist, narcologist, and head of Dr. Isaev's psychiatric and addiction Clinic, said that playing computer games helps older people train their brains. According to him, they can be considered as a kind of "interactive simulator", comparable to crosswords or chess. Regular play helps to maintain attention, train short-term memory, maintain fine motor skills and thereby slow down the natural age-related cognitive changes.

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