Welcome to the Future: 8 Handy Pieces of Technology to Have Around When You Get Older
Most seniors want to maintain their independence for as long as possible, but that isn’t always easy. Whether they live in private homes or retirement communities, seniors face certain health and safety risks that just aren’t a concern for younger consumers. As people age, they also have more difficulty performing everyday tasks for themselves.
Thankfully the landscape of technology has evolved rapidly from SEO services to unbelievably brain computer chips. There are now plenty of technologies designed with seniors’ needs in mind that can be used to maximize independence and quality of life, better manage chronic health issues, and reduce safety risks. Read on to find out about eight of them.
Technology to Have Around When You Get Older
- Lively Wearable
Lively Wearable by GreatCall is a wearable medical alert device. It features an urgent response call button that can be programmed to alert family members and one of the company’s Certified Response Agents when pushed. The device is designed with comfort and convenience in mind, so it can be worn around the neck or wrist or clipped onto clothing to ensure that seniors have it on-hand all the time.
The Lively Wearable is also waterproof, so it can be worn in the shower, and it has a built-in fall detection system to ensure a prompt response even if seniors are unable to call for help. Whether they live in private homes or independent living apartments, seniors will find that this product allows them to take much of the stress out of Independent Retirement Living.
- ACTIVATOR Poles
ACTIVATOR Poles are dual poles designed to increase balance and mobility, making them a perfect alternative to traditional canes and walkers both inside and outside the home. They’re great for seniors with underlying health problems like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, prior strokes, or chronic pain, and form a perfect complement to physical therapy for those recovering from hip or knee surgeries. Their unique design ensures ergonomic correctness and encourages core strengthening, helping consumers maintain their strength and balance as they age even in the face of challenging physical conditions.
- Uplift Seat Assist
No matter how much seniors love their favorite armchairs, love seats, or sofas, the reality is that getting in and out of these supremely comfortable chairs can place many older adults at risk of overexertion, strains, and falls. This is especially true for seniors suffering from arthritis, coccyx pain, or joint ailments and that struggle to get out of a seated position without pain. This advanced assistive seating device features a memory foam cushion outfitted with a waterproof cover for easy cleaning and folds flat for easy storage.
- Buttoning Aid Hook
Older adults suffering from arthritis or underlying health conditions that cause reduced dexterity and fine motor impairment often have trouble buttoning their clothes. That shouldn’t mean they have to resort to wearing nothing but sweat pants and t-shirts. This simple tool makes it easy to button pants, shirts, and jackets with one hand, reducing the need for help with the activities of daily living and allowing seniors to look their best without having to devote an unreasonable amount of time to struggling with buttons.
- Freedom Grip Bed Handle
Getting out of bed in the morning shouldn’t have to be a hassle, and those with arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or other disorders that impair mobility shouldn’t have to spend a small fortune on a specialized hospital bed. With the Freedom Grip bed handle, they won’t have to choose between impaired safety and spending their life savings on expensive products. This affordable assistive device can be attached securely to any average-height bed frame and features a non-slip, nine-inch wide grip to ensure stability and give seniors the extra support they need to get out of bed alone.
- Jobar Long Reach Comfort Wipe
Maintaining good personal hygiene habits is one of the most important ways to support a healthy, independent lifestyle, but motion impairments can make this hard. The Jobar Long Reach Comfort Wipe features a 15-inch handle equipped with a soft, flexible head to make it easier to clean up after using the bathroom. Seniors can use it to securely grip toilet paper or moistened wipes, use it as needed to reach difficult-to-access areas, then use the quick-release function for fast and sanitary disposal. It’s perfect for those who prioritize their independence and don’t want to rely on others for help with using the bathroom.
- Reminder Rosie Recordable Alarm Clock
This technologically advanced voice-controlled alarm clock is extremely user-friendly and can be personalized with the user’s voice or that of one of his or her caregivers or other loved ones. It’s great for seniors with dementia, brain injuries, or memory loss since there are no difficult programming features. The Reminder Rosie can also be used to set daily, time-specific appointment and medication reminders.
- TV Ears
Sick of fighting over the volume on the television? TV ears provide a perfect solution. They can be connected to most televisions and worn like headsets, allowing seniors with hearing loss to hear dialog, music, and sound effects clearly through the headset without disrupting others in the room. Even seniors who live alone can benefit from purchasing a pair of TV ears since they also make it easier to understand dialog and enjoy favorite TV programs without having to turn the volume up so loud that everything else in the house becomes inaudible.
The Bottom Line
So far, modern science hasn’t come up with a way to prevent or reverse the process of aging. However, researchers and inventors have developed plenty of products designed to make it easier for seniors to enjoy their golden years even if they are struggling with chronic health problems, dementia, or other issues that could impact their independence. Whether seniors choose to live alone, with family members, or in a dedicated retirement community, they will find that the assistive devices described above will have a dramatic, positive impact on their quality of life. There’s no need to struggle with daily tasks when these and other innovative products are available to eliminate stress, reduce safety hazards, and increase independence.