In an October article that Infinite Love Homecare published, we discussed the importance of technology for seniors. We covered points such as how technology makes communication, learning, health care, safety, and fun a lot easier. But the thing is, the technology always progresses; so, should you upgrade your tech devices, and how often?
Whenever you encounter the words tech devices in this post, they mean phones, tablets, or PCs. This is because these are the primary tech devices we use.
Why Bother Upgrading Technological Devices?
There are a few reasons you should consider buying new devices, mainly if you rely on your devices for essential things such as contacting family during times of emergency. We will discuss each of those reasons.
The Device Becomes Slow
One of the most annoying things about technological devices is that they become slow over time. The natural lifespan of a smartphone, for example, is only two years. So if your smartphone is more than two years old and starts acting slow, then you might be due for an upgrade.
New phone models come with specifications (in techie language), such as a more powerful microchip or better camera features. To use these new specs, operating systems (OS) such as iOS or Android release new versions yearly. However, sometimes, your old phone can’t handle the updated version of the operating system, therefore becoming slower with each update. Aside from your old smartphone not being capable of handling new OS upgrades, its hardware can also depreciate over time. And if you drop your smartphone, its components might get damaged even if there are no visible cracks on the screen.
Lastly, pop-up ads and viruses can also make your smartphone slow as it ages. While there are ways to prevent these culprits from damaging your phone’s systems, elderly individuals might find it challenging to understand those methods. Those methods include using adblockers and antivirus apps.
Why Should a Slow Device Bother Me?
Although a slow device is still usable, its speed can affect an elderly’s quality of living. Even if you don’t mind waiting a minute for a messaging app to start so you can talk to your friends and family, a slow device can still be potentially detrimental, especially in emergencies.
What if time is of the essence, but your device won’t quickly comply with what you need it to do? A single second can be the difference between irreparable consequences and getting out of the situation unscathed in emergencies. And for this reason, you should consider upgrading your device if it gets too slow.
Apps are Not Compatible with Your Devices
Just as operating systems release new versions, apps also update. Apps release new versions for several reasons, such as addressing bugs, making themselves more efficient, or covering holes in their security. And just as your old device might not be able to handle updated versions of an OS, it might not be able to cope with newer versions of an app.
So, what happens if your device can’t use apps because the apps are too advanced? Your device becomes practically useless as far as the updated apps are concerned. If you can’t use your device to call friends and family, for example, your device is not fulfilling its purpose.
Worn Out Hardware Affects Performance
We’ve slightly covered how wear and tear or damages can slow down your devices. However, normal device usage damages its components until the device becomes slow; it can also affect battery life.
Whether you are using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, the device will eventually have concise battery life. But unfortunately, in most cases, the device will not be able to hold a couple of hours’ worth of charge after several years of use. So the longer you use the device, the more useless it becomes, essentially.
Incompatibility to the Latest Versions Poses Security Risks
Perhaps the biggest problem with outdated devices is the security risk it poses. Part of updates of either the operating system or apps is improving their security. But when your device is no longer compatible with the latest updates, it also becomes vulnerable to cyber-attacks. According to several reports, this is a significant problem because the elderly are the most vulnerable to cyber-attacks. It is older adults that hackers and scammers think are the weakest link in the technological society. Some of these hackers create scams that specifically target more senior people who know the least about technology.
Even if you don’t mind your devices becoming too slow, incompatible with different programs, or suffering from subpar performance due to being too old, you should be concerned about the security risks. Why?
For one, cyber-attackers can find out very personal details about you, such as your address, friends, family, medication, medical history, or other information that your devices have. For example, if you have medication apps, a cyber-attacker can potentially access all of your details within that app.
Other dangers of a device with a low-level defense system include access to your finances or getting you to donate to fake charities. However, you can avoid these severe potential problems by simply upgrading your devices when necessary.
How Often Should You Upgrade Your Devices?
While there are no definite rules regarding the frequency of upgrading your devices, common sense dictates that when your devices become more troublesome than helpful, you should upgrade them. Some people upgrade their smartphones every couple of years and their laptops every five to eight years. For you, it might take longer or shorter.
Technology Can Help You, But So Can We
Infinite Love Homecare is there for you if you are not a tech person and would prefer a more personal touch in your care. Infinite Love Homecare believes in personalized and compassionate care for the elderly. So whether you are aging in place or looking for a home care facility, we can help you.
Our services include supervision and companionship, personal grooming, bathing and showering, bathroom assistance, ambulation, transfer assistance, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, transportation to doctor’s appointments, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, specialized care, and more. Contact us through our website or call (949)
529-4130 for a free in-home assessment. Alternatively, you can visit our office at City Tower, 333 City Blvd. West Suite 1700, Orange, CA 92868.
