The 4 Best Gadgets And Tech For Seniors To Live Their Best Life
Technology has transformed the lives of just about everybody on the planet these days. We have so many gadgets and apps that allow us to improve our lives in ways we could have never imagined years ago. This especially applies to seniors as they need a little bit of extra help as they age to be able to continue living a productive and enjoyable life. For example, you might want to know options to monitor an elderly relative remotely.
There are many tech devices that are specifically made for seniors that can help them, but there are also plenty that are made for the general public that have been great aids for seniors as well.
In this article, we will go over several of the best bits of technology that can help a senior live their best life with ease.
1 – Medical alerts
One of the most important devices a senior can have so they can continue to live independently is a medical alert device that can help them alert an operator that they are in trouble. These devices have been around for a long time and have proven to be an invaluable tool for aging in place.
However, they have gotten far more sophisticated than ever in the past, there was a simple button that sent an alert to an operator who would then call an ambulance to go check on the person who activated it. This meant that the person still had to have enough awareness to push the button or be physically able to do so.
These days the devices are much smarter. Some of them can even detect a fall so it doesn’t require the user to have to do anything to activate an alert. Many of them can be activated by voice and then connect to the operator so they can be told what the exact problem is.
2 – Trackers
Fitness trackers are an excellent way for anybody to stay active enough to be healthy and in better physical shape. Staying active is a great way to make sure that you stay healthy in addition to being more fit. Since staying active is one of the biggest challenges that a senior faces, a tracking device is essential to make sure they are staying fit.
These trackers can let you know if you are hitting your minimum activity for the day. A step tracker will count your steps and let you know that you are coming up short of the recommendation of how much you should be walking depending on your situation. It can also let you know if your heart rate is too high or too low and other vital signs.
They serve as a sort of virtual coach that can give you ideas on how to better stay active and fit and remind you to get moving.
Many of these trackers are also great for sleep. Getting enough sleep is extremely important as we age since it is the time for the body to repair itself and the cells to rebuild. Sleep is essential for a strong immune system and a lack of it means you are more susceptible to getting sick with common illnesses.
A sleep tracker can help a senior monitor their sleep so they can understand if they are sleeping well or poorly. With the data, they can make some adjustments to their lifestyle that will help them sleep better as a result.
3 – Video chatting
People move all the time so staying connected is more of a challenge than ever before. However, video chatting is much easier now. Since seniors are vulnerable to loneliness, it is very important that they have the means to see their family and grandchildren instead of relying on the occasional phone call.
This provides an instant and free way to connect. Many of the most popular apps for this are free so there are few limits to how and when they can communicate with their loved ones.
Many meetings and town halls are also done via these apps so even people with mobility issues are not left out and are still able to participate in things that are important to the community.
4 – Smart home devices
With the Internet of Things and advances in connectivity technology, any home can now be converted into a smart house. There are so many ways to make your house smarter and safer so a senior can live independently for longer.
Home security is more effective than ever. A doorbell camera can be installed so an alert is sent to a phone if there is motion detected and the person outside can be seen before they open the door to a stranger. Unfortunately, seniors are often targeted by thieves and scammers so it’s best to know who’s at the door ahead of time.
Then, smart thermostats can help them save money on their electricity costs and heat since they use AI to figure out the best times to turn the heat or A/C on. In fact, some will connect to the local weather so they can decide to turn off the heat or air conditioner based on the actual weather conditions. This means that they can be totally hands-off and let the system handle itself for huge savings.
These devices are ideal for seniors that have mobility issues since they can be activated by voice. Many devices can be used to set reminders, make a phone call, or even order things from Amazon all without needing to get up from the chair.
Conclusion
Although many seniors are not exactly tech-savvy, using these devices and software these days is easier than ever. It doesn’t take much to learn how they work to get the most out of them. If the person in question is really not up to date with the simplest devices, then take the time to help them understand how to use them and it will help them in immeasurable ways. Independence is within reach of anybody thanks to these devices.
[For other needs you might find help at https://aginginplace.org/]