Just one generation ago, the technology available to help seniors embrace healthy aging were basically nonexistent. Now, however, older adults can benefit from technology for health, safety, fitness, socialization, and much more. And best of all, they are simpler and more user-friendly than ever. Here are essential tech tips that can help seniors make the most of today’s technology options.
Healthy aging tech tips
Most seniors have at least one health concern that needs to be monitored and there are a variety of technologies to do just that. Among the most common are monitors that track different health concerns including blood pressure, and blood sugar and cholesterol levels that enable seniors to be aware of changes and problems.
For seniors who struggle with managing medications there are a variety of tech tools to help them take the right medication at the right time and meet healthy aging goals. The easytechseniors.com article, “How Technology Can Help Seniors to Manage their Medication,” looks at several possibilities including talking alarms, timer caps, pillboxes with flashing lights and alarms, and apps that send reminders to devices like phones and tablets.
Senior fitness tech tips
Staying physically fit is key to healthy aging and fitness technologies come in a variety of formats. From wearable smart watches like Fitbit to health and fitness apps like those reviewed by verywellfit.com to YouTube videos spanning every possible exercise routine, they are diverse and effective with achieving fitness objectives. Exercise equipment has also come a long way and now incorporates technology to help set, track, and meet exercise goals and even work with a trainer or coach online. For an overview of fitness technologies check out the seniorplanet.org white paper, “Fitness Technologies for Older Adults.”
Senior safety tech tips
Safety and healthy aging are inextricable, and many seniors can benefit from the safety devices now available. Among these are medical alert systems, Wi-Fi home security cameras, and GPS tracking devices that let caregivers and families know where loved ones are. Some devices like smart watches also combine technologies like medical alerts, fitness tracking, medical reminders, health monitoring, GPS, phone and text, and more. Take a look at the options in the seniorliving.org article, “The Best Smartwatches for Seniors.”
Senior social tech tips
One of the most important aspects of healthy aging is staying social. Seniors are especially vulnerable to loneliness and isolation and the mental and physical health impacts described in the National Institute on Aging’s article, “Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks,” include cognitive decline, anxiety and depression, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, to name a few.
But today technologies that enable social connections are everywhere and seniors can easily get together with friends and family via video chat apps like FaceTime, Zoom and Skype, but also for meeting with clubs and groups with shared interests in senior chat rooms like those noted in the seniorliving.org article, “Senior Chat Rooms and Groups.”
Of course, there is also social media that has become part of everyday life for almost everyone but is especially fun for seniors who can use it to stay in touch and up to date with what their kids, grandkids and friends are doing. According to the seniortechclub.com article, “Social Media for Older Adults,” the two most popular social media platforms among seniors are Facebook and YouTube, but Pinterest, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter are also gaining senior participation. In no time at all seniors who use social media will benefit from the increased connection and socialization, both of which are essential to healthy aging.
Senior companionship tech tips
Another great senior technology for healthy aging (and one that everyone loves!) is robotic pets. Especially wonderful for seniors who live alone or those with cognitive decline, these adorable critters provide companionship as well as a calm and soothing presence in their owners lives. For a complete comparison of choices available, take a look at the robotpetfriends.com article, “At A Glance: The Best Robot Pets for Elderly.”
Senior virtual reality tech tips
Aging can mean traveling less and spending more time at home. But with virtual reality (or VR) devices, seniors can travel the world and beyond, diving deep under the sea, spinning through space, skiing the Alps, or riding a horse across the desert. The choices with VR are almost inexhaustible and offer seniors the ability to go places and experience life in a way they never could before, without ever leaving home. To find out more about VR for healthy aging the smartglasseshub.com article, “Virtual Reality for Seniors,” offers excellent information.
Today’s technology options offer seniors so many ways to pursue healthy aging and have fun doing it. At Sonrisa Senior Living, we know seniors want more out of life and we go the extra mile to make it carefree, independent, and entertaining. Check out our free Successful Transitions Guide for more information about moving to senior living. To learn more about all that Sonrisa has to offer in luxury independent living, contact us today!
