BRENTWOOD, Tenn., Nov. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- When Brookdale
(NYSE: BKD) resident Jim Maley
learned to use an iPad at the age of 80, it changed his life. His
experience, along with research linking social technology usage
with well-being in the aging process, are why Brookdale is
expanding its initiative to introduce its residents to new digital
technologies such as tablets, video chatting, social media, and
other devices and programs. Specially trained associates are
leading classes at Brookdale communities in Chicago in the first stage of Brookdale's plan
to incorporate the courses into its programming nationwide.
Maley gained his skills by participating in a pilot resident
iPad program at Brookdale Burr Ridge in Illinois. It is part of Brookdale's "Rewiring
Aging" initiative to enrich seniors' lives through technology. "It
opened up a whole new world," said Maley, who now regularly speaks
with 24-year-old grandson Adam, a California graduate student, by FaceTime.
Over a third of Americans age 80 and above don't use technology
for social networking, a study by Brookdale and the Stanford Center
on Longevity found. Seventy percent of those who do use technology
to stay connected say it improves their communications with loved
ones. Technology users say they feel happier, are more satisfied
and their health is better.
"Simply having technology isn't what leads to greater life
satisfaction for older people," said Dr. Kevin O'Neil, Brookdale's chief medical officer
and a clinical professor of aging studies at the University of South Florida. "Using technology for
meaningful social engagement is what counts, and the rewards can be
life-altering for many seniors. However, feeling overwhelmed by the
complexities of various devices and programs was the top reason
older people said they didn't try new technologies. This is why we
are now moving toward incorporating technology training into our
ongoing resident programs."
Brookdale is also piloting a program in Chicago with tech support company Geekatoo to
help residents with their devices. "Getting older doesn't keep you
from being connected digitally," said Josh
Shulman, senior living programs director for Geekatoo, which
offers both in-home and remote tech support. "Brookdale's research
shows technology's power for enriching seniors' lives, and we look
forward to helping their residents connect and engage with family,
friends, and the world around them. We all have a lot to learn from
these seniors' experience and wisdom."
For more information on Brookdale, visit brookdale.com.
About Brookdale
Brookdale Senior Living Inc. is the leading operator of
senior living communities throughout the
United States. The Company is committed to providing senior
living solutions primarily within properties that are designed,
purpose-built and operated to provide the highest-quality service,
care and living accommodations for residents. Currently Brookdale
operates independent living, assisted living, and dementia-care
communities and continuing care retirement centers, with
approximately 1,132 communities in 47 states and the ability to
serve over 110,000 residents. Through its ancillary services
program, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy,
home health, personalized living and hospice services.
Contact: Kristin Puckett,
615-564-8481, kpuckett@brookdale.com
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SOURCE Brookdale Senior Living