Why technology will never replace – but can help – human connection

As technology continues to embed itself in everyday aged care activities, we’re being asked to remember that there are some things it simply cannot replace. 

Dr Fiona Kerr, Founder, NeuroTech Institute & FOCUS, said the human brain remains unbeaten at building a new version of itself as we age, and that human interaction is essential to achieving this. 

“There are a number of ways we can do this. Exercise can positively impact memory, learning and other organs such as the heart. When you sleep, the early parts of sleep are about maintenance, getting rid of rubbish and lowering things like heart rate. Then in later sleep cycles, you improve memory and embed what you’ve learnt during the day,” she explained at ARIIA’s Facing the Future conference.

“Novelty, you have to use more of your brain to absorb brand new information and novelty keeps us young. But novelty isn’t doing the same game on a screen all the time.”

Then there is diet, which Dr Kerr said helps to trigger a host of neurotransmitters in the brain. She listed fermented, purple and fresh foods as some of the best for the brain, plus crunchy ones with texture. 

If possible, she added, look to support residents on texture modified diets by enabling them to chew on textured foods even if they can’t swallow them. 

Direct human interaction, and warm interactions at that, are also important. She explained that looking at someone in person can result in a serotonin or dopamine boost, while a quick conversation in passing also results in a strong electrochemical connection that makes older people feel particularly included in society. 

This is why a good balance between technology and in-person interactions is essential for aged care. Live voices, as opposed to those over the screen or via the phone, have a far stronger impact on our brains. 

“When we hear an affectionate or warm voice we activate beta, gamma and delta [brain waves] in our brains which changes how we feel, how we make decisions and the information that we take in. A live voice is different than a voice over a screen, it’s much richer and there’s much more information there,” Dr Kerr said.

Physical touch, even a brief pat on the arm or a hand rub, can provide similar reactions that trigger strong emotional and chemical responses that cannot be achieved through technology.

Technology as a support

Although nothing can beat in-person communication and connection, sometimes it just isn’t possible. The COVID-19 pandemic tested that measure to the extreme, but it’s also very common for family or friends to live far away from a loved one in aged care.

Technology offers a reliable foundation of support to keep residents safe and to help older people live at home for longer. But design and implementation are critical, Dr Kerr explained. 

“When we’re using technology we need to think about how do we design it. Things like connecting. If we already know our grandchildren when we look at them over a screen it’s gorgeous because you’re connecting parts of your brain that have already been built when interacting face to face,” she explained. 

“If you’ve never seen them in person and you don’t know them it’s not the same because we are different over screens. We also have to think about whether people can turn the device on or do they need someone else to be with them.”

Modern technology is also becoming more embedded into our environments. An older person doesn’t necessarily have to worry about activating sensors that detect falls, but providers do have to think about the data they use and collect from these devices. 

“Technology doesn’t have to be something that is high risk. Of course, we’re looking at where our information goes on the cloud when you collect it. There’s a lot of information that can be done with IoT [The Internet of Things],” Dr Kerr said.

“It can be a local network that doesn’t have to go up into the cloud. You can have local systems talking to each other that are efficient and cost-effective. Then you can augment those systems with devices where you need to connect with people. That can be things like smart devices on the floor or sensors around the buildings.”

High levels of user trust are also critical to buy-in as secure data storage means people are going to be more comfortable using smart devices and sharing health-related information. Dr Kerr shared one example of an older man who had a wearable smart watch intended to track his daily walking routine at home.

But instead of tracking his 1km stroll, the device was actually capturing data from a young boy he had paid to walk around the neighbourhood. Without that user buy-in and understanding of its impact, the technology had no impact. 

The pros and cons

There are four key factors Dr Kerr listed as essential for communication, connection and caring in a technological world: 

• The environment: Is it a home-like, comfortable environment that people have?
• Resident interaction: Can they interact with each other, but still maintain a sense of privacy?
• Nature: Do residents have the capacity to easily interact with nature and the outdoors?
• Community building: How do you promote the use of shared services and interaction with the wider community?

But how does technology enable all of this, rather than replace it? By looking at what the user wants. Dr Kerr’s research revealed that older people are just looking for aids that help with independence, mobility and simplicity. 

While some are happy to chat with an artificial intelligence robot or have fall detection sensors around the home, most want technology that helps them find information, connect with others, remain mobile or open things like a pesky jar of pickles. 

So if you are embarking on a journey of technological advancement, Dr Kerr said to build all of your foundations via in-person engagement before introducing new technologies.

“Technology can be effective but it’s in the short term. If that’s all you have then it doesn’t necessarily decrease loneliness. When you already have an existing relationship more of your brain lights. In-person interactions stimulate novelty, make you more confident, it can enhance activity and make you more mobile,” she said. 

“But the negatives are, if we don’t pay attention to the digital divide, if they haven’t got connectivity, coverage or they need someone else with them to use technology, then they’re even more isolated. They sit there and feel like no one cares about being with them.”