As a tech enthusiast, I’m usually drawn to the flashy bells and whistles of new gadgets – faster processors, sleeker designs and innovative features. Apple’s upcoming (May 7) event has the tech world buzzing about the powerful M3 chip in the new iPads.
But, that’s not what’s exciting to me. I find myself more intrigued by a seemingly mundane detail: the rumored switch to OLED displays.
Sure, the powerful M3 chip is impressive, but let’s be honest – most of us won’t notice the difference between the M2 and M3 in our daily scrolling and tapping. After all, the current iPads have more power than I need for most tasks I throw at them, including having a hundred Google Chrome tabs open at once!
What we will notice, however, is the stunning clarity and color depth of an OLED screen. And while this upgrade may seem like just another step in Apple’s never-ending quest for display perfection, it could actually have far-reaching implications for a demographic often overlooked by the tech industry: older adults.
I think with this shift, Apple is about to sell iPads to millions of older adults and break into a rapidly growing market that most people don’t think about. And once you read this article and learn about the impact of blue light emissions on your own health, you may even rush to get in line for a new iPad for yoursel
The rise of iPad usage among older adults
As we get older, our eyesight often gets worse, making it harder to use the small screens and tiny buttons on smartphones. iPads, with their larger displays and more intuitive interfaces, have become a popular alternative for seniors looking to stay connected in the digital age.
iPads open up a whole new world for older adults. They can take virtual tours of museums, video chat with family and friends, and even have doctor’s appointments via telehealth visits from the comfort of their own homes. And with the new OLED screens that Apple is putting in iPads, the experience will be even better and more enjoyable for older users.
iPads in elder care and dementia management
The benefits of iPads extend beyond mere entertainment and convenience. In recent years, these tablets have become invaluable tools in the fight against dementia and Alzheimer’s. Caregivers use iPads to help keep minds active with brain-training games, let patients easily talk to their doctors through video calls, and calm them down with special videos made just for them. iPads are also the top choice for innovations in a new category of digital therapeutic
At CareYaya, we’ve seen how much our dementia-friendly videos, called CareYayaTV, can help people with memory problems. Families and caregivers often give their loved ones an iPad with these soothing videos to help them relax when they’re feeling upset, bored or confused. The calming imagery, gentle music and simple plot-free videos have been really good at reducing stress and promoting peace.
Adding OLED screens to iPads could make these and other digital health tools even better for dementia care. The better picture quality and less harmful blue light from OLED screens could create an even more enjoyable and comforting experience for people using them.
The potential health benefits of OLED technology extend far beyond the senior population and may apply to us all.
Blue light emissions and the profound impact on cognitive health
Humans evolved in a world where the sun was the main source of light. Nights were dark, with only fires and candles providing some light. But in the last 15-20 years, smartphones and tablets have become very common, exposing us to unnatural light at all hours. This can have a big, unintended impact on our bodies.
Recent research from Harvard entitled “Blue Light Has a Dark Side” has shown that too much blue light, which is common in smartphone and tablet screens but not in sunlight, can be harmful to our health. It might damage our eyes and mess up our sleep and daily rhythms, increasing our risks of serious illness.
Natural blue light from the sun helps us stay alert and think clearly. In the morning, there’s more blue light to keep us awake. As the day goes on, sunlight gets redder, telling our bodies to make melatonin so we can sleep at night. But smartphones and tablets don’t follow this pattern, which can confuse our bodies.
The American Medical Association (AMA) even warned about this in a report called “Light Pollution: Adverse Health Effects of Nighttime Lighting.” They said that messing up our sleep and daily rhythms with artificial light at night might increase the risk of many modern diseases, like some cancers, obesity, diabetes and cognitive decline.
Older iPads with LCD or mini-LED screens give off a lot of blue light, which can disrupt our natural sleep cycle and lead to poor sleep. But OLED screens are designed to give off less blue light and at longer, safer wavelengths. In general, OLEDs emit 50% less blue light than LCDThis reduction in blue light exposure can help lessen the negative impact on our circadian rhythms, promoting healthier sleep patterns. Studies have shown that blue light before bedtime makes it harder to produce melatonin and delays deep, restful sleep. Over time, this can lead to cognitive decline and increase the risk of dementia. A groundbreaking study in the scientific journal Nature entitled “Global rise of potential health hazards caused by blue light-induced circadian disruption in modern aging societies” is highly recommended for further information on this topic.
For people with dementia who often experience “sundowning” – increased agitation and confusion in the evening, along with trouble falling asleep – the lower blue light from OLED screens could be especially helpful. By reducing the sleep-disrupting effects of blue light, OLED iPads could create a calmer environment for restful sleep, improving overall sleep quality and well-being.
By shifting to OLED displays, which emit significantly less blue light than their LCD counterparts, Apple isn’t just catering to the needs of older adults – it’s taking a proactive step in addressing a growing public health concern. And while it may seem like a small change, the ripple effects could be profound.
Other Health Benefits from OLED Displays
Less eye strain and tiredness
OLED screens make light directly from each pixel, so they don’t need a backlight. This makes them more comfortable to look at, reducing eye strain and tiredness compared to LCD or mini-LED screens. For older adults and people with brain conditions who may already have vision problems, this could make a big difference in their daily iPad use.
Better contrast and readability
OLED screens have much better contrast than LCD screens, with deeper blacks and brighter whites. This improved contrast can make things easier to read, especially for older adults and those with vision problems. Being able to read more easily may also encourage them to use brain-training apps and other activities that stimulate their minds more often.
Screens that adapt to each person
The flexibility of OLED technology could allow for screens that adapt to each person’s needs. For example, an OLED iPad could automatically adjust its display based on the user’s vision or specific brain condition, making the experience better and potentially increasing the therapeutic benefits of certain apps.
New iPad OLED displays could be a game-changer for cognitive health
Apple’s upcoming switch to OLED screens in iPads could be a big step forward for digital health tools for older adults. By having less harmful blue light, reduced eye strain, improved readability, and the potential for screens that adapt to each person, OLED iPads could revolutionize how we approach brain health.
Of course, there’s still much work to be done in the realm of digital health. But as someone who has seen firsthand the positive impact of technology on the lives of older adults and those with cognitive impairments, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and hope for what lies ahead. We’re excited about the possibility of using OLED iPads in our digital therapies. We think this technological advance could make our treatments work much better and improve the quality of life for many older adults. By using the power of these cutting-edge devices, we can create a brighter, more connected future for older adults.
So while the tech world may be buzzing about the M3 chip and other flashy features, I’ll be keeping a close eye on those OLED displays. Because sometimes, the most meaningful innovations are the ones that quietly improve our lives in ways we never thought possible.