Care Connect’s new research, The Connectivity Report, reveals that older Australians aged 70+ are more connected through technology than we realise, with a third regularly active on social media and more than half frequently banking online.
The Connectivity Report explores the attitudes and behaviours of older Australians towards technology and their use of it to stay connected with family, friends and community*. Findings from the report highlight how a large proportion of older Australians are using technology to maintain their independence and remain at home.
Care Connect CEO, Paul Ostrowski says “The research indicates that older Australians are embracing technology for social interaction, reducing their feelings of social isolation and helping them stay more involved in the lives of their family and friends.
“There is compelling evidence that indicates the effects of social isolation are comparable with smoking and other risk factors (including obesity, lack of physical activity) and can influence a person’s life expectancy (Holt-Lundstad et al 2010). With our research indicating older Australians being more tech savvy than we thought and eager to learn more, the aged care sector should be considering technology as a way to connect their clients with their communities.
Click the image below to see the full report.
