Devonshire’s technology usage mirrors national trend

Community Members Embracing Technology at Devonshire

Palm Beach Gardens, Fl. – A recent survey conducted by AARP projects that, "by the year 2030, nearly 132 million Americans age 50 and older will spend upwards of $84 billion a year on technology products."

The survey also reports that currently, "91 percent of those age 50+ report using a computer and 94 percent say technology helps them keep in touch with friends and family."For many community members at Devonshire at PGA National, an Erickson Living owned and managed retirement community in Palm Beach Gardens, FL., daily technology usage enhances the premier lifestyle they enjoy at Devonshire. 

"Technology is an important part of my life," says community member Nancy DeSantis. "I use my smartphone every day. It's my security blanket. I love that I am able to text family and friends in an instant."

"I use either my phone or my laptop throughout the day whether it's to make travel reservations, check the weather, connect with friends, or count my steps," says community member Shirley Alley. "With the easy access to information, I find it is much easier to get information now digitally."

With family and friends scattered across the U.S., many Devonshire community members utilize a variety of social media apps to stay connected.

"I have a large extended family and I use Facebook to keep up with everything they are doing, says Alley. It's the only way I'll know what's going on in their lives. Now when I go visit we don't have to waste time 'catching up,' we continue right where we left off."

For Devonshire community members Artie and Margy Lynnworth, the connections made on social media and video messaging apps are essential.

"We have family spread across the USA and Australia, as well as friends scattered around the world," says Artie Lynnworth "We heavily rely on free video conferencing through Skype, FaceTime, and WhatsApp."

This summer, in response to the growing technology usage on campus, Devonshire launched MyErickson, a free Erickson Living app offered to all community members. The easy-to-use app

provides in-the-moment access to community information, messages, dining menus, meal balance, activity calendars, transit schedules, local directories, and staff information.

Manager of Resident Services Marty Bores, Alley, DeSantis, and Artie Lynnworth, volunteered to help their neighbors navigate the new resource.

"The MyErickson app is terrific," says Shirley. "It makes life so much easier. Now, rather than looking through stacks of papers to find the information you need it's all at your fingertips."

"Devonshire community members are lifelong learners, many of whom embrace technology in their daily lives," says Bores. "And for those who chose not use the variety technology options available to them, that's ok too. Our goal is to provide resources that enrich our community member's lives, wherever and however, they need it."

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Caption: Marty Bores, Manager of Resident Services, and Devonshire Community Member Lois Edelstein using the MyErickson app. 

About Devonshire at PGA National: Devonshire at PGA National, is one of 20 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living® and is situated on a scenic 28-acre campus on the grounds of prestigious PGA National. The community is located in Palm Beach County and is home to more than 350 community members. Additional information about Devonshire can be found at DevonshirePGA.com.