Third Chapter Curious: Industry News Round-up - Segment 3 “Old Dogs, New Tech”

[1 June, 2025]

We’re in an era of explosive tech growth that will forever change how we live; a new precedent will be set, with easy, essential tech being the current modality.

The hope is that it will keep us more connected in real-time, having it work for us rather than against us.

It can be daunting for all ages to understand technology at large, but it is particularly difficult for people over 55, simply because the changes have occurred with such rapidity.

Overwhelming though it may be, new developments are key for helping seniors to live higher-quality lives with greater independence and longevity.

It’s important to keep up as you're able, figuring out which pieces of technology will benefit you most so you can work them into your lifestyle. 

This is a hopeful guide to a minimalist and realistic approach to understanding, ensuring safety, company, and care.

We’ve gathered some resources to make your search for meaningful tech less taxing.

ARTICLE 1:

“10 Essential Tech Tools for Older Adults” - Rachel Hartman for U.S. News

Easy and essential. A perfect demonstration for the minimalist who wants to have the best without excess.

This is an opportunity to learn only what you need to know for your life, and avoid being overwhelmed by superfluous choices.

These are options that will fit seamlessly into your life and hopefully make improvements!

Things like fitness trackers and medication management systems have your health in mind, and home assistive devices make your home safer and more user-friendly, with tools to monitor your air quality and control your devices, like lighting and appliances.

ARTICLE LINK

ARTICLE 2:

“The Most Overlooked Home Hazards for Seniors Living Alone” - Written for Kendal at Home

By understanding the risks, you can better assess mitigation tactics. Knowing what can go wrong helps to figure out what you can do to live your best life, free of as many dangers as possible.

While it may be difficult to acknowledge, there are real problems that can arise for seniors living on their own, however, there are strategies to prevent accidents and help people retain their independence.

Falls are a leading source of injury, or worse, for seniors. Updating your lighting fixtures with easy controls is an easy fix to provide better visibility.

Loneliness and isolation are another issue that needs more attention, and simple technology like video calls and social media can help provide companionship when physical company is not an option.

ARTICLE LINK

ARTICLE 3:

“The Best Tech Support Services for Seniors” - Lawrence Forbes for Wired

There is extra assistance in safety and support for people to learn how to best utilize technology—it needn’t be a solitary journey or battle. Coupled with consulting with your loved ones, there are resources that can be referred to, bolstering independence.

From help with using a phone to a smart thermostat, there are specialists ready to guide seniors through troubleshooting their daily devices.

The companies listed employ people trained in guiding seniors, so clear and careful direction can be expected. Familiar companies like AARP provide specialized services, along with some names that may be new to you, like Candoo and Quincy.

ARTICLE LINK

Written and edited by Cameron Thompson for Third Chapter Curious, LLC, 2025