Disclaimer: The content of the article is for reference only, the storyline is purely fictional, intended to popularize health knowledge, if you feel unwell, please seek medical attention offline.
As the sun sets, the golden afterglow shines on the benches of the community. 68-year-old Uncle Li was staring intently at the screen of his phone, his fingers swiping flexibly. Aunt Wang, a neighbor passing by, couldn't help but joke: "Uncle Li, you are so old, isn't it okay to play with your mobile phone every day?"
Uncle Li raised his head and smiled mysteriously: Aunt Wang, you don't know anything. I play with my phone every day, but I have a university question! If it weren't for this, I might have ...... by now Speaking of this, Uncle Li suddenly stopped, leaving a meaningful expression.
Aunt Wang was aroused by curiosity, and was about to ask, but saw that Uncle Li had already gotten up and left. She looked at Uncle Li's distant back, and her heart was full of doubts: An old man plays with his mobile phone every day, how can he ask any college questions? What's the secret?
Uncle Li's story started half a year ago. At that time, he had just retired from a state-owned enterprise, and his greatest pleasure every day was walking and playing chess in the community. However, as he grew older, he gradually felt that his body was not as good as before, and sometimes he found it difficult to do even the simplest household chores.
One day, when Uncle Li was doing a physical examination at the community health service center, he met a young Dr. Zhang. Dr. Zhang looked at Uncle Li's examination report and frowned: "Uncle Li, your physical condition is not ideal. Bone density is low, and muscle strength is decreasing. If you don't pay attention, it's easy to have an accident.
Uncle Li asked with some concern, "Then what should I do?"
Dr. Zhang said with a smile, "Actually, for the elderly over 65 years old, there are some things that are not recommended to be done casually. For example, don't lift heavy objects, don't bend over too often, and don't stay in one position for long periods of time. Instead, I would recommend playing with your phone. "
Uncle Li was not happy when he heard it: "Doctor Zhang, aren't you talking nonsense?" Isn't it said that the elderly should play less with their mobile phones?"
Dr. Zhang patiently explained, "Uncle Li, don't get me wrong. When I say 'playing on your phone', I don't mean that you can watch short videos and play games all day long. Instead, monitor and improve your physical condition through some professional health management apps. "
Next, Dr. Zhang introduced several health management apps suitable for the elderly to Uncle Li. These apps can not only record daily diet and exercise, but also provide personalized health suggestions based on the user's physical condition. What's more, they also have some cognitive training games specifically designed for seniors that can help slow down brain aging.
Uncle Li was skeptical and began to try to use these apps. To his surprise, over time, he not only learned to use his smartphone, but also really felt an improvement in his physical and mental state.
Every morning after getting up, Uncle Li will open the health monitoring app and record his blood pressure, heart rate and other data. Based on this data, the app will give health advice, such as drinking more water today or increasing the amount of exercise.
When eating at noon, Uncle Li will use the App to record his diet. The app will analyze whether his nutritional intake is balanced and give suggestions for improvement. Once, the App reminded Uncle Li that his calcium intake was insufficient, and suggested that he eat more calcium-rich foods, such as soy products, milk, etc.
In the afternoon, Uncle Li will spend some time playing cognitive training games. These games may seem simple, but they are actually effective in improving memory, concentration and reaction speed. Uncle Li's favorite is a Sudoku game, and every time I play it, I feel that my brain has been fully exercised.
Before going to bed at night, Uncle Li will use the App to record the exercise of the day. According to his age and physical condition, the app will recommend some suitable exercise methods, such as walking, tai chi, etc. Uncle Li also joined a health exchange group for the elderly on the App, and often shared health experiences with group friends.
In this way, Uncle Li's life has become colorful because of these health management apps. Not only has his physical condition improved significantly, but his mentality has also become younger.
However, not everyone understands Uncle Li's approach. Some neighbors saw him holding his phone all day and thought he was addicted to online games or short videos. Some people even say that he is "old and improper", not like an elder.
In the face of these doubts, Uncle Li didn't care. He knows that what really matters is his physical and mental health. He is also happy to share his experience with other elderly people, hoping that more people can benefit.
Back to the present, Aunt Wang finally understood Uncle Li's "secret". She was surprised to find that technology is not only for young people, but also for the elderly, it can also be an important tool to improve the quality of life.
This story tells us that for seniors over 65, the rational use of smart devices and health management apps may be more beneficial than blindly following conventional wisdom. Of course, this does not mean that older people can use electronic devices without moderation. The key is to find a balance between using technology as an aid, not as the whole of life.
Here are some relevant medical studies and recommendations that can help us better understand the pros and cons of using smart devices in older adults:
1. Cognitive Function Exercises:
Studies have shown that moderate use of smart devices for cognitive training can help delay brain aging. A study published in the journal Nature showed that regular digital game training improved working memory and attention in older adults [1].
2. Social Interaction:
Smart devices provide more opportunities for seniors to socialize. A study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that older adults who used social media were less likely to feel lonely and depressed than those who did not [2].
3. Health Monitoring:
Health management apps can help seniors better monitor and manage their health status. A study by the United States Heart Association showed that older adults who used mobile health apps were more likely to adhere to medication and make healthy lifestyle changes [3].
4. Risk of Improper Use:
However, excessive use of smart devices can also have some negative consequences. For example, staring at a screen for long periods of time can lead to vision problems, and over-indulging in the online world can interfere with real-life interpersonal interactions [4].
5. Risk of Falls:
Falls are a serious health threat for older adults. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 3 million older adults seek medical attention each year due to falls [5]. Therefore, the elderly should pay attention to environmental safety when using smart devices and avoid risky behaviors such as looking at their mobile phones while walking.
6. Muscle Strength Maintenance:
While using smart devices can exercise the brain, the importance of physical activity should not be overlooked. The World Health Organization recommends that adults over 65 years of age should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, and more than two muscle strengthening exercises per week [6].
7. Maintain Balance:
The United States Geriatrics College emphasizes that technology should be an aid, not a replacement for traditional activities and interpersonal interactions. They advise older adults to maintain outdoor activities and face-to-face socialization while using smart devices [7].
To sum up, for seniors over the age of 65, the rational use of smart devices and health management apps may bring many benefits. But at the same time, we must also pay attention to the potential risks and find a balance that suits us. Most importantly, whether it's using smart devices or doing other activities, you should aim to improve your quality of life and maintain your physical and mental health.
Let's go back to Uncle Li's story. After realizing the benefits of smart devices, Uncle Li did not overindulge in them. He still maintains the habit of walking in the community every morning and evening, but now he uses the app to record his steps and movements. He also insisted on participating in Tai Chi classes organized by the community, which not only exercised his body, but also made new friends.
Uncle Li's changes have also affected the people around him. With his encouragement, his wife, Aunt Zhao, also began to learn how to use smartphones. At first, Aunt Zhao found it difficult and often complained that this thing was too complicated. But under Uncle Li's patient guidance, she gradually mastered the basic operations, and even learned to use video calls to chat with her grandson who was far away.
Aunt Wang, a neighbor, also became interested in smart devices after learning about Uncle Li's story. She found Uncle Li and asked for advice on how to choose a mobile phone and app suitable for the elderly. Uncle Li was very happy to help others and introduced his experience to her in detail.
Soon after, a "silver science and technology group" was set up in the community, with Uncle Li as the leader. They hold regular lectures and meetups to help more seniors learn to use smart devices and teach them how to use these tools safely and effectively.
The establishment of this group not only enriches the lives of the elderly in the community, but also promotes intergenerational communication. Sometimes, young people are invited to share the latest technological knowledge, while older people talk about their life experiences. This exchange has benefited both sides.
However, not everything is smooth sailing. One day, Uncle Li accidentally stepped on the empty stairs while looking at his mobile phone, but fortunately he held on to the handrail in time and did not fall. This little episode made Uncle Li realize that he should also pay attention to safety when using smart devices. Since then, he has always reminded everyone to stop when looking at their phones and to concentrate when walking.
Half a year has passed, and the community hospital has organized another physical examination. Dr. Zhang was pleasantly surprised to find that Uncle Li's physical indicators had improved significantly. Bone density increases and muscle strength improves. What's more, Uncle Li's cognitive ability test score is even better than half a year ago.
Dr. Zhang smiled and said, "Uncle Li, it seems that you have worked hard in the past six months!"
Uncle Li modestly replied: "It's all thanks to your advice." If you hadn't told me this, I would probably still be resting on my laurels. "
Dr. Zhang nodded: "You have been able to make such progress mainly because you have found a method that suits you. Smart devices are just tools, and it's all about how you take advantage of them. Not only do you benefit yourself, but you also contribute to the community, and that's the most valuable thing. "
When Uncle Li heard this, his heart was full of pride. He deeply felt that each stage of life has its own unique value and meaning. As long as you keep an open and learning mindset, you will never be abandoned by the times.
At the end of the story, let's go back to that warm evening. When Uncle Li explained his "secret" to Aunt Wang, the two looked at each other and smiled. In the afterglow of the sunset, their smiles are extraordinarily bright, as if telling a beautiful truth: age is never a limit, and the love of life and the spirit of continuous learning are the real secrets of staying young.