3 Tech Solutions For Seniors
Tech Solutions For Seniors: New Technologies Can Help Seniors Stay Safe.
It could be considered true that some seniors fear new technology. They may feel overwhelmed by new concepts or get frustrated if they don’t understand how to use the new technology right away. But studies are showing that today’s seniors are becoming more and more comfortable with the latest technologies; especially those that improve their quality of life.
Nowadays more than ever, caregivers and seniors can take advantage of cutting-edge products, devices, and services that make seniors’ lives easier and increase their ability to live independently and happily. In fact, a 2012 Pew Research survey indicates that more than half of seniors are now using the Internet and own cell phones.
New Tech Solutions for Seniors
The following are three technological advances that are designed to help seniors.
1. New Aid Canes
Walking aids are helpful for seniors who have chronic problems, including hip and knee arthritis, as well as those who have acute injuries, such as ankle sprains and leg fractures. For the latest in lightweight cane technology, carbon fiber canes make your hand forget you’re even holding a cane. Crafted from the same high-tech and durable materials as aircraft parts, sporting equipment and racecars, these carbon fiber walking canes are durable and meticulously created to withstand years of use.
New global positioning satellite (GPS) canes provide data that can be viewed by the user, medical personnel, and relatives who want to keep track of the person with the walking cane. They not only provide real-time data for the user’s movements, but can actually warn relatives of potentially dangerous situations. They can monitor everything from the distance traveled to the person’s heart rate and even their body temperature. This helps others track and monitor their activity, so if the senior is overdoing it or gets lost, they can easily be found.
2. Big-button cell phones
It’s important to help seniors remain connected, for the social aspects and for safety. A big-button phone like the Jitterbug is designed specifically for seniors. It's easy to open and has extra-loud speakers, big backlit buttons, a bright screen with easy-to-read numbers, and a straightforward service contract (at an additional cost). The Jitterbug One-Touch takes simplicity a step further, with just three big, impossible-to-miss buttons; one for 911, one for the operator, who will connect to anyone the senior would like to reach; and one preprogrammed to connect to a family member.
3. Automatic Pill Dispenser
New research shows that 30 percent of seniors who choose to live in assisted living do so because they’re having a hard time managing their medications. New technology to help cope with medication management is the automatic medication dispenser, like the MD2 Reminder System. A caregiver can load several days of medication and the machine is coded to deliver the right amount at the right time. Some dispensers can even be locked to prevent people with dementia from taking the wrong medicine at the wrong time. If a dosage is missed, caregivers are contacted. Prices for these types of dispensers can range from $59 to $75.
Stay connected to Alternatives for Seniors for more information that is important to seniors. From senior housing to senior health, gadgets to make life easier, financial tips and more, Alternatives for Seniors has been helping seniors and families since 1992. Visit us at AlternativesforSeniors.com, or connect to us on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
BLOG Date: Thursday, April 30, 2015
Writer: Ryan Allen