Does seeing your grandma with an iPod sound crazy? Well, you might want to get used to it. The number of seniors embracing new technologies is increasing every year, with many seniors getting familiar with smartphones, communication apps like Skype and the Internet.
But seniors are still a long way from being truly tech-savvy. The truth is, technology can help seniors in more than one way. It can help them stay connected to their families, help them pass the time, help them keep track of their health and keep them safe at all times.
With the help of a loving grandson or a passionate caregiver like the ones referred by A Better Way in Home Care, seniors can learn how to use modern technological marvels to their advantage. Here are some of the most exciting devices and inventions seniors should embrace.
Tablets
Tablets are powerful, compact computers that are much easier to master than traditional desktop computers. They can help keep seniors entertained with games, stay connected with apps like Skype or Viber. Seniors can use them to view photos, read, listen to music and so much more. The best thing about them is that they are lightweight and highly portable.
Hearing Aids
Another thing modern scientists have helped improve are the hearing aids. Once big, impractical devices, hearing aids have been miniaturized and perfected. Therefore, they are easier to use than ever. Seniors can benefit from Bluetooth connectivity and compact size that makes modern hearing aids practically invisible.
Video Games
OK, don’t expect your senior loved one to level up their character in World of Warcraft. But there are a lot of challenging, fun games that can help seniors pass the time, keep their mind occupied and improve their cognitive abilities. Furthermore, games promote social interaction, so your senior loved one could play chess with a long lost friend across the country or even the world.
Skype and Connectivity Apps
Probably the best thing seniors can learn to use is Skype, as well as similar connectivity apps. It’s never been easier to get in touch with family members, relatives and friends living far away. Communicating is instantaneous and can be done through a computer, tablet or mobile.
Health Monitoring Apps
If your senior is already familiar with using a phone or a tablet, you should get them familiar with a number of special health tracking apps. They can help remind seniors to take their meds, track their nutrition and help them regain the control of their wellbeing. Health monitoring apps are beneficial for both seniors and caregivers.
Wireless Internet Connection
A lot of the items on this list depend on one invaluable resource: wireless internet. If you want your senior loved one to use technology as best as possible, you need to make sure their home has Wi-Fi connectivity.
Smartphones
A lot of seniors are still refusing to switch to smartphones, preferring traditional phones with a physical keypad. Helping them understand how smartphones are more effective and easy to use is essential. They are key to helping them stay connected but can be invaluable in situations when you need to see their location.
Home Monitoring Systems
Home monitoring devices are invaluable systems that use sensors that can literally save a senior’s life, especially if your senior loved one lives alone. They can help alert you if your senior loved one falls, behaves unnaturally. Some systems can even help discreetly track their vitals.
Home Assistants
Home assistance technology can help aging in place be more enjoyable than ever before. Apart from the home monitoring systems, these assistants can help illuminate the seniors’ path with LED lights at night, dispense medication, and shut-off stoves. These functions are vital for seniors with motor or cognitive disabilities.