Seniors Put Smart Technology On The Top Of Their Holiday Wish List This Year

FAIRFAX, VA — Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season for your grandmother, uncle or older acquaintance? Forget about slippers, a knitted shawl or a subscription to Readers Digest, today's seniors want technology that will make their lives easier, safer and smarter.

"First and foremost, it's a myth that seniors don't like technology," said Andrew Carle, a senior living consultant at The Virginian, a senior living community in Fairfax, Virginia. "They're actually ahead of most of us when it comes to technology."

Formerly a professor at George Mason University, Carle is now the lead instructor for the senior living administration concentration at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

One of the things he's learned over the years is that seniors are not only comfortable with technology, they've been waiting for the technology to advance enough to adapt to their needs.

During the pandemic, residents at The Virginian had more time to learn how to master iPads, FaceTime and even Zoom. They've also embraced voice-activated technology like Google Home and Alexa.

"Remember, in their lifetime, lots of things have been invented, from televisions to dishwashers to microwaves," Carle said. "But the thing was, those were plug-and-play. They didn't come with a 60-page instruction book."

When a group of bridge-playing seniors at The Virginian couldn't touch a deck of cards due to social distancing and COVID-19 concerns, they found a bridge app that they could download to their phones.

"They set the bridge club up and they sat there in a little square, socially distanced and wearing their masks, playing bridge on their phones," Carle said. "They found that on their own. That's proof right there that if you make it user friendly, they don't mind technology."

The Virginian recently conducted an informal survey of its residents ages 80-100 about what gifts they wanted to receive this holiday season. Here are the items that topped their wish lists:

1. Ring Video Doorbell
2. iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum
3. "Smart" Voice-Activated Devices: Alexa, Google Home, Smart Light Outlets, Smart Thermostat, Smart Digital Picture Frame
4. Foot Massage Slippers
5. iPad
6. Clip-On Flashlight
7. Rechargeable Motion-Sensor Nightlight
8. Armchair Caddy
9. Puzzles
10. Activity books
11. Neck Massager
12. Personalized Pillow
13. Eyeglass Holder
14. Leather Bookmark
15. Door Décor
16. Cozy Wrap
17. Non-Slip Socks
18. Electric Jar Opener
19. Adjustable Swivel Laptop Table
20. Long Handheld Shoehorn