Not everyone ages in the same way. Some individuals may have medical conditions that cause physical challenges. Others have cognitive issues that may causes challenges for managing daily life. These challenges can make it more difficult for seniors who wish to age in place in their own homes. Technology has offered a wide range of solutions for elders, to help them live more independently, with greater quality of life in their later years.
Technology That Increases Seniors’ Safety
Medical alert devices have been on the market for many years. They have been instrumental in helping seniors maintain their independence, while still providing a way to monitor them if they should experience a medical or other type of emergency and require help. Today’s models even have GPS so that family members can track elders if they should wander and get lost. E-readers and tablets make getting interesting books to read easier than ever. Another clever device is the Amazon Astro, a charming little robot that can assist elders in their own homes. Astro can answer simple commands, tell you who is at the door, or carry small items around the house. Smart home devices like Alexa, Ring, and Nest can provide reminders for seniors or contain sensors that can alert families if they sense something is out of the ordinary. These innovative, battery-powered devices can act as monitors, guardians, and companions for seniors aging in place in their own homes.
Technology That Boosts Shopping Convenience
Technology has also made shopping significantly easier, not only for seniors, but also for busy adults who can now rely on food delivery services to provide grocery items or complete dinners to the home through a regular internet connection. These services can be especially helpful for seniors with mobility problems or those who can no longer drive. You can find a broad range of foods for every taste and budget.
Keeping Seniors Connected and Engaged
FaceTime, Zoom and Skype give seniors the opportunity to enjoy face-to-face interaction over the internet with family members whenever they want. It’s a great way to keep seniors involved in family activities and engaged with loved ones who may live some distance away. Seniors can also participate in classes, lectures, and other programs that help to stimulate their minds and keep their bodies moving. You can even sign up for a virtual retirement community experience that offers programs and interaction with other seniors, without elders having to leave their homes.
Helping Seniors Stay Healthier
Today’s technology can also help to keep elders healthier by offering information on the internet about healthy eating, providing access to daily exercise programs to improve physical strength and balance, and allowing access to doctor’s advice and treatment through telehealth visits. In this way, elders can conveniently receive health information, even when they can’t travel outside the home for group classes or doctor visits.
Getting Around Town Is Easier and Safer
Seniors can also take advantage of mobile apps like Waze, a free app that provides directions for drivers to get to their destinations. Uber and Lift offer inexpensive rides to doctors, shopping, and entertainment venues for those who can no longer drive. Self-driving cars will soon be another technology that allows seniors to get to various destinations easily and safely.
Keeping up with current technology can sometimes be difficult for older individuals. However, the rewards can be significant. A little training and practice can help elders use today’s technological advances, so they can enjoy a more self-directed lifestyle with significant emotional, psychological, and physical benefits for their lives.
