Technology has infiltrated nearly every aspect of our lives, and the senior citizen community is no exception. In fact, there are now a variety of technological devices and applications specifically designed to make the lives of seniors easier. From the time they are planning their retirement to their later years with their family, this article will explore some of the most popular and useful technologies for seniors.
1. Smartphones with assistive applications
A smartphone with an assisted living app can provide a wealth of information for seniors, including medical alerts, medication reminders, and helpful health tips. Some smartphones also include features that can help seniors stay in touch with loved ones, such as support for instant messaging applications like WhatsApp or Skype.
2. Voice assistants such as Alexa and Siri
Voice assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri can allow seniors to perform simple tasks such as playing music, turning on lights, or checking weather forecasts. They can also provide information about medications and appointments. These applications are controlled by voice commands that are easy for seniors to remember and use. They only need to say some commands out loud instead of having to stand up and do the task themselves.
3. Health monitoring devices
Today’s health monitoring devices allow seniors to monitor their health at home. Some of these devices, such as intelligent scales and blood pressure cuffs, can keep track of the data so that seniors do not have to remember everything. The data can be shared with family members or doctors via an app on a smartphone. This kind of technology can also save lives by catching medical problems before they progress to more serious conditions.
4. Digital health assistants
Digital health assistants are designed to help seniors maintain good health by encouraging them to exercise, eat right, and take their medication on time. This kind of technology is at the cutting edge of technology for seniors because it provides information that can potentially save lives. It can also help seniors feel more independent by taking some burdens off of them.
5. Medical alert systems
Medical alert systems are an important part of technology for seniors because they provide peace of mind to seniors who live alone or spend a lot of time outside their homes. When an elderly person has problems, he or she can use one of these systems to contact a loved one or medical professional. These systems can also provide seniors with information about upcoming doctors appointments, medication needs, and other important reminders.
6. Tablet devices
Tablets made with larger screens are easier for seniors to see and use than a regular smartphone or laptop. The larger keypads and screens make it easier for seniors with vision problems to interact with the devices, whether they are checking their email, watching videos, or accessing an assisted living app.
7. Smart TVs
These devices can allow seniors to access a wide variety of applications, including medical alerts, video chat services, music streaming services, and instant messaging. A senior can also use the TV to check their email, play games, or watch videos on YouTube using the built-in features of smart TVs. One special feature of some smart TVs is that they allow seniors to take phone calls over the television’s speakers if they are having problems getting to a nearby phone or looking for their own cell phone.
8. E-book readers
E-book readers are useful for seniors because they can fit in their purse or pocket and be used anywhere, even when riding public transportation. They also provide a brighter screen with increased display options compared to many smartphones and tablets on the market today. This kind of device is particularly popular among seniors who have vision problems or trouble holding a device for long periods of time.
9. Drones with cameras
Drones can be used by seniors to take pictures from above when they are feeling too tired or weak to climb a flight of stairs or walk up a hill. Sometimes, taking pictures from ground level turns out to be very different from taking pictures from above, and drones can help seniors get the kind of photos that they want during their golden years.
10. Robots for e-commerce
Senior citizens will appreciate any device that helps them shop online without having to go outside or stand up too much. Many senior citizens feel concerned about browsing the Internet on mobile devices because it takes a long time to load websites and see images clearly. Robots for e-commerce can allow seniors to access e-commerce stores more easily than they would be able to on a normal computer or laptop.
Technology has always had the power to make life easier for seniors. As we see more people age into retirement communities and assisted living facilities, it is crucial that these technologies are developed further so they can serve as an extension of what caregivers do on behalf of seniors every day by ensuring safety and peace of mind.