Technology has helped produce a variety of platforms to support connectivity and engagement, implementing ways for mobile devices, social media, television and tablets to simultaneously fuse together.

With the notion that these technologies will create new forms of communication, it seems that an entire generation has been forgotten about in this process – senior citizens.

The thought of your grandfather using Twitter or grandmother commenting on your Facebook (News - Alert) photos might make you laugh at first, or even make you feel uncomfortable. But think about this: in a world that now offers the opportunity to have a social life through technology, wouldn’t the people who can no longer be completely active benefit from it the most?

The Caregiver/Senior Communication Survey, conducted by VTech, found that seniors experience long hours alone at home, with 91.6 percent of senior’s surveyed saying they spent time alone during the week. 

The survey also found that what caregivers worried about the most was that they’re missing out on an active social life.

But today, being home alone means you have more time to focus on and create what the social media world considers today an active social life. Being social no longer consists of attending the most parties, events or travel ventures. Now all you need is a mobile device and a few social media accounts, where you can communicate and engage, while never leaving your house.

In reality, this means senior citizens, when equipped with the right devices and accounts, are in the perfect setting to create an explosive new social life. And despite what people may think, senior citizens have found solace in the new technologies that are available.

According to the VTech survey, seniors and their caregivers identified “Communication tools” such as e-mail, phones, cell phones and Skype (News - Alert), the most as a supporter of independent lifestyles, aging and peace of mind.

Today, people choose to be socially active in the comfort of their home, creating a perfect opportunity for senior citizens to continue an active lifestyle.  

With a landscape of ever-changing technology, there should be more attention paid to incorporate senior citizens into our new trends and products. With so many new developments in technology, there’s no reason senior citizens should ever lose the ability to be active or feel as if they’re alone when confined to their home.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO Miami 2013, Jan 29- Feb. 1 in Miami, Florida.  Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.