Technology can be a great boon for the elderly

ENCOURAGING the older generation to use Skype, FaceTime and Netflix can make them more involved at Christmas and beyond, an expert said.

From Skyping on Christmas morning to karaoke singalongs, the increase in technology in our households provides lots of opportunities for families to help older members keep in touch, access the things they love and give their memories a workout, Jason Axford, one of Care UK’s lead experts on older people’s wellbeing, believes.

Mr Axford said apps like Shazam and streaming services like Amazon Prime and Netflix can connect the older generation to music, TV shows and films.

He suggested that spending time over Christmas getting elderly relatives acquainted with what technology such as smart TVs has to offer can be a great bonding exercise with more tech-savvy youngsters.

Mr Axford said: “Music and films are wonderful ways for families to connect and for memories to be reawakened. ” He also hailed a “wonderful website” called Playlist for Life.

Founded by broadcaster Sally Magnusson in memory of her mother who lived with dementia, it aims to help memory loss with the aid of music.

“A personal playlist can help to enhance memories, restore a sense of self and create new memories with friends and family,” he added. AN ELDERLY man has died five days after he was seriously injured in a head-on crash between two cars.

The 86-year-old driver passed away at Ayr Hospital on Thursday following the collision on the B743, near to the Auchencruive Agricultural College, on