Technology can help increase safety and make aging independently easier. Here are some essential gadgets for seniors who want to remain independent.
Millennials grew up with technology. It is as much a part of their world as cassette tapes and MTV was to Generation X. However, as older generations age, they often end up with a tech imbalance of technology. Modern technology has come a long way toward providing solutions that help extend lives, increase safety and make aging independently easier. Here are some essential technologies and gadgets for seniors who want to remain independent.
S.O.S. Safety Devices
Pendants and wristbands used as personal emergency response systems (PERS) have made significant advancements. They are no longer restricted to hardwired landline devices at home. If you’re old enough, then you might remember Life Call‘s silly “Help! I’ve fallen and can’t get up” commercials from the 1980s.
Thanks to cellular and Internet communication, PERS can alert call centers from anywhere. They can also provide the GPS location of the person in need. Pairing tracking with mobile devices enables revolutionary health management and remote monitoring. Connecting to a network of caregivers, physicians, and emergency response teams can make quite a difference in senior’s lives.
Medication Management Devices & Apps
Taking pills every day can be stressful. However, keeping track of medication is immensely easier thanks to medication management platforms like these:
- Carezone – Delivers a reminder and transcription services for filling medications.
- MedMinder – Helps caregivers account for pills taken.
- Reminder Rosie – Incorporates voice reminders that can be customized for user likes, including describing the pill that needs to be taken.
Life-Enhancing Gadgets For Seniors
There are several tech options that your parents will just love. Here are a few trending and highly regarded gadgets:
- Long Distance Touch Lamps ($150)
- Pix-Star Cloud Digital Frame ($200)
- Amazon Echo Show ($230)
- Fitbit Charge 2 ($150)
- Sony Wireless RF Headphones ($70)
- Amazon Kindle e-reader ($80)
- Apple 9.7-inch iPad ($329+)
Smart Home Technology
Technology-based assistive amenities for the home incorporate safety features, automated access, smart devices, and security features. Homes need to include gadgets for seniors so that daily activities can be done in comfort while preventing injuries (i.e. in the shower or traversing stairs). According to the CDC, deaths from falling have increased 30% over the last decade with people 65 or older. Something as simple as a motion sensor light might prevent a fall and save a life
Smart devices and automation have come a long way toward helping control the indoor environment. This includes smart temperature controllers like the Nest, accessible cabinets, and other activities that are repeated throughout the day. Security becomes more important in later years. Even modest surveillance equipment can add to both your’s and your parent’s peace of mind. For example, being able to remotely check in on your parents from security cameras will let you know if they are ok even if they aren’t answering their phone.
Gadgets for Seniors Who Want to Remain Independent
Technology has changed our world on a fundamental level. We are rethinking how we live. Some tech directly saves lives while others improve upon our day. The benefits are rarely clear and what makes a great difference in one person’s life may be insignificant to another. Younger generations have the advantage of developing alongside technology. Older generations rarely grasp the potential applications of an endless supply of new gadgets. This is where their children can help. Hopefully, the future will bring new waves of technologies and gadgets for seniors who want to remain independent.
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