As people get older, it makes sense that we would want to make some changes to our lives that will help us to do what we need to do but easier. It can be hard to integrate technology into the life of someone who has lived without it for most of their lifetime. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t help someone learn new things and use the right technology for them to make their lives a little bit easier.
Many people, not just seniors, can benefit from the use of the right kind of technology in their day to day lives. But what are the best pieces of tech that will make life easier for our older family members and friends during their retirement years?
Medical Aids
With advances in medical technology, getting the correct medical aid to assist with living with medical conditions or diagnosis has never been more accessible from getting hearing aids for hearing loss management to digital technology to keep track of health conditions at home. You can also get wearable technology that monitors for trips and falls and keeps a check on the wearer’s vital signs too to make sure they are in the best health possible.
The use of modern technology in the health field has come a long way and talking to your health practitioner to get the right type of aids for your medical condition has never been easier.
Home Technology
There has never been a better time for automated appliances for the home, from smart systems that are voice-activated and controlled to devices that only need programming to take on the day to day tasks.
Turn the home into a smart home by installing the latest in visual and voice-activated tech. Instructions such as turning lights on and off, setting heating controls to making sure the alarm is home, and the house is secure. Get a system that comes with a phone app to check-in wherever you are and put your mind at ease. If you are worried about the safety of an elderly loved one, then this can give you both peace of mind.
You can even hook up the system to turn on the kettle for you via Bluetooth technology! Another option is to opt for home appliances that need little to no intervention, such as a robotic vacuum. These handy appliances can take the stress out of vacuuming, whereas smart refrigerators can let both you and your loved one see exactly what food is in the fridge to help with shopping.
Choosing a key safe or even changing to a digital code locking system for the home can be advantageous for everyone too.
Adapted Furniture
For those with limited mobility, installing furniture that makes it easier for them to move around will add an extra level of independence. Adjustable beds can make getting up in the morning so much easier, as can chairs that assist with the sitting up and standing movements too. Gently raising them to their feet and allowing them to sit from a higher level can take the pressure off their joints and will enable them to move around their home more freely.
Stairlifts or installing ramps or even an elevator can prove to be useful tools as they remove the need to negotiate steps and provide a more gradual slope to help them move between different levels of the home.
There are many adjustments you can make to a home to allow seniors to live a better quality of life and to live more independently in their own home.
Smart Phones
Sure, much of the older generation will eschew the need for a mobile phone. But allowing them to see how having one can benefit their lives may change their mind. Video calls with family and friends can help stave off the feeling of isolation and loneliness. Being able to see a person’s face can make all the difference if they are unable to leave home for whatever reason.
They can also use it to keep up to date with family, friends and access up to date news among many other things. Show the benefits of having a smartphone so they can learn how to adapt and integrate it into their lives in a way that helps them to keep on living their lives despite any other challenges the aging process is throwing at them. Show them a different way of living.
