The Role of Technology in Improving Memory for Older Adults 

Technology empowers healthcare professionals and caregivers to revolutionize their approach to cognitive health for older adults. Today’s tools, from smartphone apps, to wearable devices, to voice-activated assistants, provide new ways for older adults to enhance their memories. As these technologies continue to evolve, they help older adults enjoy a higher quality of life. 

Smartphone Apps

Smartphone calendars and reminder apps are increasingly used to support older adults’  cognitive health. These tools can help manage daily activities, medication schedules,  and appointments, making it easier for seniors to stay on top of everything. Research suggests that regularly using these tools helps older adults remember appointments and medication schedules, supporting seniors’ independence. Brain-training apps and cognitive games have also gained popularity for their brain-boosting abilities. Lumosity, BrainHQ, and cogniFit are among the most well-known, and they offer scientifically designed exercises to target memory, focus, visual and auditory processing and navigation and spatial reasoning— all of which can help seniors with locating items in their homes, recalling appointments and tasks, and finding their way around. BrainHQ is also backed by over 150 peer-reviewed studies. Overall, combining brain training with other healthy lifestyle practices, such as regular physical exercise, a balanced diet, and social interaction, is best for improving cognitive health.

Voice-Activated Assistants

Voice-Activated Assistants (VAAs) like Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri significantly benefit older adults. These assistants can set reminders, answer questions, and provide information through simple voice commands, avoiding the need to navigate complicated apps. Research examined the adoption of VAAs in older populations and noted that their ease of use and accessibility make them ideal for supporting cognitive functions, including memory (Czaja et al., 2019). 

Beyond incorporating these technologies into our own lives, healthcare professionals are also jumping on board with the use of these interventions in their practices. Occupational therapists (OTs) often work with older adults after a physical or cognitive change. They ensure that seniors get back to performing daily tasks of living more easily so that they can engage in more vibrant, social environments. OTs now find that by introducing these technologies to seniors, they can increase their independence and dignity while improving their quality of life.