Using Technology to Enhance Life as We Age

This article is part of The Third Third of Life Toolkit—a collection of resources for ministry to and with people ages 55 and over, brought to you by two ministries of the Christian Reformed Church in North America: Disability Concerns and Faith Formation Ministries.

We talk a lot about the pitfalls of technology, but not much about how it can enhance the life of older adults, who often deal with isolation, loss of mobility, and loneliness. The resources gathered here show that technology can be used to add meaning and connection in the third third of life.

• In an article titled “Beyond Singing Hymns” in Reformed Worship (June 2019), Bill Gaventa notes, “Common technology enables worship to be shared via Skype or Facebook, or, in reverse, enables an older member at home to read a Scripture passage or share a faith story on camera, to be projected on sanctuary screens.” How might technology help you include homebound adults in worship and community life? People with limited hearing? People with visual challenges?

• In Becoming a Digital Grandparent, Paula Span describes some of the meaningful ways grandparents are using video chat to build relationships with their grandchildren who live far away. 

• Tech Training Builds Connections and Confidence for Older Adults describes training programs that change older adults’ lives by equipping them with computer skills. Does your church have the resources to provide computer training? To subsidize the cost of internet access for those who require it? To provide inexpensive computers for people who need them?

• In Innovations to Fight Isolation, Michelle Crouch lists a variety of new ways technology is reducing loneliness and providing help for older adults.

• Technology for Seniors and the Elderly offers a long list of ways the internet and other technology can help older adults.

• AI-driven Dementia Care Home a First in North America describes a new home opening in Hamilton, Ontario (based on a Dutch Alzheimer’s village called “Hogeweyk”), that will use artificial intelligence to help residents live as normally as possible. 

FOR THOUGHT OR DISCUSSION

• After reading some of these articles, talk about or reflect on how technology might enhance worship and community for third-thirders at your church.

QUESTIONS?

If you’re part of the Christian Reformed Church in North America and you have questions about how to strengthen your church’s ministry to and with people in the third third of life, one of Faith Formation Ministries’ Regional Catalyzers would love to talk with you about ideas and strategies.