BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - December 17, 2009) - MyWay Village, the first
senior-focused technology
company to help seniors get online in an easy and social way by
combining access to simplified technology with personal training and
support, today announced that their Connected Living program is reducing
depression and feelings of isolation especially during the holiday season
within senior communities where the company's programs are being offered.
"Social isolation is a huge issue with the elderly population, particularly
during the holidays, as they are often experiencing loss at many levels; of
a spouse, friend or home," offered Sarah Hoit, CEO and co-founder of MyWay
Village. "Our Connected Living program directly addresses the challenges
of social isolation and the lack of a venue to cultivate a sense of
purpose which is a basic human emotional need."
"As a caregiver who has seen the impact of social isolation and sadness
experienced by our residents in the past, we can validate that the
Connected Living Program is improving our residents' quality of life," said
Sharon E. Ricardi, VP Operations & Advisory Services, The Northbridge
Companies. "We've provided holiday specific classes and have seen
tremendous participation that we have not had previously."
Internet and Depression in Seniors
As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 which is
directing more than $7 billion to expand Internet availability and adoption
in the United States, The Phoenix Center for Advanced Legal and Economic
Public Policy Studies completed a study in October 2009 titled,
"Internet use
and Depression Among the Elderly." The study suggests that Internet use
among the elderly reduces depression. The elderly population is one target
of the funding and The Act funded research on over 7,000 elderly retired
people to evaluate the role of Internet use on mental well-being.
Also, research being conducted by
The Behavioral and Social Research Program at The
National Institute on Aging has been exploring the relationships
between physical and mental health and social connections among the
elderly. The group is especially interested in ways social networks affect
health and happiness and influence longevity. On average, for those seniors
aged 65 and older, an increase in years of happy life accompanied the
increase in life expectancy. Additionally, loneliness is related to
negative physical health outcomes in older adults.
Helpguide.org, a recognized
non-profit group that provides information and support to various groups
including elderly care providers and seniors, identified the following
causes and risk factors that contribute to depression in the elderly:
-- Loneliness and isolation -- living alone, a dwindling social circle
due to deaths or relocation.
-- Reduced sense of purpose -- feelings of purposelessness or loss of
identity due to retirement or physical limitation on activities.
-- Health problems -- illness and disability; chronic or severe pain;
cognitive decline; damage to body image due to surgery or disease.
-- Medications -- many prescription medications can trigger or exacerbate
depression.
-- Fears -- fear of death or dying; anxiety over financial problems or
health issues.
-- Recent bereavement -- the death of friends, family members, and pets;
the loss of a spouse or partner.
The same organization's recommendations for seniors to prevent depression
are addressed by MyWay Village's Connected Living program including:
-- Get out in to the world -- try not to stay cooped up at home all day.
-- Connect to others -- limit the time you are alone and if you can't get
out to socialize, invite loved ones to visit or keep in touch over the
phone and online.
-- Participate in activities you enjoy -- pursue whatever hobbies or
pastimes bring or used to bring you joy.
-- Learn a new skill -- pick something that you have always wanted to
learn or that sparks imagination and creativity.
-- Enjoy sharing jokes and stories -- laughter provides a mood boost so
swap humorous stories and jokes.
About MyWay Village
Founded in 2007, MyWay Village is transforming the experience of aging and
connecting families across generations by combining simplified technology
with high-touch personal support. The company is based in Quincy,
Massachusetts.
http://www.connectedliving.com/
Contact Information: Contact:
Sarah Hoit
MyWay Village
617-328-1600 ext. 323
shoit@connectedliving.com
Or
Mara Stefan
Emerge PR
617-729-3171
mstefan@emergepr.com
