(While partially in stealth mode, we’re in the process of developing plans for our application platform, that will allow activity directors to manage a robust daily resource system)

As the digital age continues to accelerate, it is easy to get swept up in the tide of electronic resources available to us.

However, despite the allure of screens, the convenience, reliability, and effectiveness of printed materials make them an important resource in both educational and health settings. 

Mental health is an integral part of aging. A healthy, active mind contributes to overall wellness and can often mitigate the cognitive decline associated with aging. This is where the power of printed educational resources comes into play. They provide an avenue for seniors to engage their minds, stimulate their cognitive abilities, and maintain their learning agility.

What makes printed resources so effective?

The tangible aspect of these materials seems to hold a particular charm for seniors. Holding a paper, flipping through pages, feeling the texture beneath their fingers – these tactile experiences provide a certain sense of comfort and familiarity, one that digital resources often fail to deliver.

Moreover, the practicality of printed materials in a nursing home or assisted living facility environment is indisputable. Seniors might face challenges in operating digital devices due to physical impairments such as shaky hands or limited fine motor skills. Furthermore, problems such as visual impairment are more common among older adults, making the adjustable text size and contrast on digital devices less beneficial than the option to use personal aids like magnifiers on printed materials.

Then there are the activities that lend themselves naturally to paper. Consider the simplicity and joy of a word search or a crossword puzzle. These classic brain-exercising games are often more enjoyable and easier to navigate when completed with a pen and paper, as opposed to scrolling, clicking, or tapping on a screen.

There are certainly those who may argue against this type of approach in an effort to drive everything toward online learning. While there are obvious benefits there too, our personal experiences and research suggests that there are very real and practical benefits to building new ways to deliver printed resources catered to an individuals interests.