I had a 73-year-old client in my Speech Language Pathology practice, post-CVA, who lived alone and was determined to overcome his stroke-induced visual, attention, and executive functioning deficits. His goal? To regain the ability to use his smartphone for Amazon shopping and, of course, to “Netflix and chill” once again. That got me thinking—how is technology becoming such an integral part of recovery and independence for the Baby Boomer generation?

In recent years, there has been a notable shift in the Boomer generation’s interaction with technology, especially when it comes to online shopping for groceries and daily necessities. As a floor clinician, it is fascinating to observe how Boomers are increasingly using delivery systems like Amazon and grocery apps as a basic function that is quite literally at their fingertips. This technological incorporation not only meets their everyday needs but also holds great potential for enhancing cognitive-communication (cog-comm) therapy and supporting activities of daily living (ADLs).


The Boomers’ Adoption of Online Shopping and Delivery Services

Traditionally, the Boomer generation has been slower to adopt new technologies compared to younger cohorts. However, the tide is turning. More and more Boomers are embracing online grocery shopping and using services like Amazon to meet their daily needs, from household goods to personal care items. The convenience and simplicity of these platforms, with just a few taps on a smartphone or clicks on a tablet, have transformed how older adults manage their lives.


Platforms like Amazon provide ease of use, offering everything from groceries to household essentials, often delivered within 24 to 48 hours. For Boomers, this technology has reduced the physical strain of running errands and provided a reliable, independent means of managing their day-to-day needs.

The Role of Technology in Cognitive-Communication Therapy and ADLs

From a clinical perspective, this integration of technology into everyday routines can be a valuable tool in cog-comm therapy and the improvement of ADLs. Cognitive-communication therapy focuses on improving cognitive functions like memory, attention, problem-solving, and organization—skills that can decline as individuals age.


Engaging in online shopping can serve as an indirect form of cognitive exercise. For example:

Memory and Attention: Remembering items they need to purchase or navigating different categories online fosters mental activity that strengthens attention and recall.

Problem-solving and Organization: Using online platforms to find specific items, select delivery options, and manage payments requires planning and decision-making, reinforcing cognitive flexibility.

Activities of Daily Living: Managing daily shopping needs through technology promotes a sense of autonomy and confidence, reducing the need for constant caregiver intervention.

Incorporating these tasks into therapy sessions can encourage the patient to maintain their cognitive function while also enhancing their ability to perform ADLs independently. The ease of having delivery systems readily available supports independence and can help improve the overall quality of life for Boomers, many of whom value their self-sufficiency.

Takeaways for Cognitive-Communication Therapy in the Digital Age

As clinicians, we must recognize the potential of these digital tools to enhance therapy and daily living for older adults. The rise of technology use among not just Boomers but client’s of all ages offers new opportunities to reshape our therapeutic approaches to meet their evolving needs.

Key takeaways include:

Incorporating practical technology use in therapy: Utilizing online shopping platforms like Amazon or grocery apps as functional cognitive exercises can help patients practice memory, organization, and decision-making in real-world scenarios.

Promoting independence through digital literacy: Teaching older adults to confidently use these platforms for daily needs fosters a sense of control over their lives, enhancing their mental well-being.

Personalizing therapy for individual comfort: While some Boomers may readily adapt to using technology, others may need more gradual assistance. Therapy should be tailored to their specific comfort level and needs with technology.


By embracing technology’s role in therapy, clinicians can provide clients with tools to remain independent, engaged, and confident in their ability to navigate the world around them. Integrating digital platforms into cognitive-communication therapy is a forward-thinking approach that enhances the quality of life for older adults, helping them thrive in an increasingly digital age.


As more clients incorporate technology into their daily routines, it’s essential for clinicians to evolve with them. By integrating these new tools into cog-comm therapy and ADLs, we can help older adults remain independent and active, ensuring that therapy remains relevant and effective in our digital world.

About the Author: Kinnari Satra MS, CCC-SLP 
Kinnari is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in cognitive-communication disorders, aging, and neurological rehabilitation. With clinical experience working with older adults following stroke and those with mild cognitive impairment, Kinnari focuses on functional, real-world strategies that support independence, communication, and quality of life.