Smartphones are viewed as the root cause of a “loneliness epidemic” or a “mental health crisis” but research has found that they can actually enable the older generation to stay connected with their family and friends, and provide a sense of independence in their own lives.
"Generation Anxiety," "a mental health crisis," "a loneliness epidemic"—smartphones are often blamed for the growing social and mental health challenges faced by modern society. They’re criticized for disconnecting people from the real world and inhibiting social interaction. And it’s not just young people glued to their screens. A survey of secondary school children found that 82% of them felt their parents' smartphone use was negatively impacting family life. As a society, it seems we’re becoming increasingly distant and disconnected.
But in our rush to blame technology for the disconnectedness plaguing modern life, we may be overlooking a crucial counterbalance. For those who live apart from their loved ones, often the older generation, embracing technology can connect them with family and friends.
A study in 2021 found that the majority of seniors who didn’t use a smartphone attributed it to not knowing how to use its features, instead of a lack of interest. In 2022, UCL researchers explored the emotive response to smartphones. They found that seniors’ reticence to use smartphones was rooted largely in their fear of making a mistake — whether it was being overcharged, breaking the phone, or simply not knowing how to use it.
At Chatsie, we wanted to ensure this transition to a new device is smooth and worry-free. There are no surprise charges - you’ll only ever make one payment a month for the plan. Moreover, our phones are designed with seniors in mind - there’s always a clearly labeled “Back” button at the bottom of each screen and all features are signposted with simple, non-technical language. Our customer support team is available every day, all day, to guide seniors through this learning curve.
Whether it’s using WhatsApp calls, watching YouTube videos or playing games on their phone, we’ve seen countless seniors transform that initial fear into joy, finding empowerment in being able to learn a new skill - operating their smartphones independently.
Phones are an invaluable tool for staying in touch with family and so it’s no surprise that WhatsApp is the most commonly used app by adults over the age of 65. Communication doesn’t have to be limited to in-person visits or brief phone calls. Seniors can send pictures, have video calls, and share their lives with their loved ones more often, and stay connected while living apart.
Chatsie phones have high-quality cameras (50MP + 16 MP for the tech-curious!), and a very easy way to add the Camera app to the main Menu, allowing seniors to capture moments in just a couple of taps. By having access to the same platforms used by their children and grandchildren, smartphones can help bridge the generational divide and physical challenges for seniors who live apart from their families.
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