July 19, 2023
Each year brings new advancements in the world of technology, and it isn't just the younger generations enjoying them. Research shows tech usage among those 65 and older has increased over the past decade. From item finders to electronic pill dispensers, more tech gadgets than ever are available to seniors to make life easier and help them stay independent. Take a look at the innovative technology for seniors to enjoy in 2023.
Wearable devices, such as Fitbit or Apple Watch, are becoming increasingly popular among seniors to help them stay active and monitor their health. Besides tracking steps and activity levels, many fitness trackers also provide heart rate and blood pressure metrics, helping older adults monitor how their body responds to certain exercises or other physical tasks.
Smartphones may be easier to carry around because of their size, but tablets have larger display screens that can make browsing the internet or reading an e-book more accessible for some seniors. Certain tablets are even specifically designed for older adults, such as Grandpad, a device created by Consumer Cellular to help seniors stay productive and connected with loved ones. Royal Oaks also offers educational classes on navigating technology, including tablets and iPads, to help residents become familiar with their devices.
This technology for seniors gives access to 24/7 assistance for those with medical conditions if an accident or health emergency occurs. Many medical alert systems are available on the market, and it's important to choose a device with reliable connectivity and good customer support to ensure you have access to services when you need them.
Smart home devices can provide a safe and convenient way for seniors to navigate their living spaces. When connected to a smartphone, these devices are voice-activated, which can be helpful for older adults who may have trouble seeing or using their phones. They perform various functions, from making calls to providing audio reminders for appointments or medications. Residents at Royal Oaks are gifted an Amazon Echo Show upon arrival to use in their homes.
This GPS device can be inserted into a shoe insole and sends location information to a monitoring system. Although GPS SmartSole was originally designed for those with Alzheimer's or dementia, it can also be useful for active seniors who like to go walking or run errands alone. If you get lost or have an accident, your loved ones immediately know where you are because the device sends them text and email alerts with your last known location.
Seniors who have difficulty hearing may benefit from Live Listen with Apple AirPods. When activated, Live Listen is a function that transforms your iPhone or iPad into a microphone and sends sound to your AirPods. All you have to do is hold your device close to a person or speaker, and the sound amplifies. However, AirPods may not be an appropriate hearing aid substitute for those with significant impairment.
When you move to a new environment, such as an Independent Living community, it can be easy to misplace items until you know your way around. Tile Mate provides small tracking devices to attach to important items, including keys or a wallet, that can be located with your phone via Bluetooth or smart home devices through voice command.
Eargo is known for its nearly invisible over-the-counter hearing aids, and its new model, Eargo 7, is water-resistant and uses rechargeable batteries. It also comes with a Sound Adjust+ feature that analyzes sound in the environment to automatically emphasize speech and reduce background noise, helping you hear better no matter where you are.
Assistive robots are becoming more popular and can be programmed to do numerous tasks, from cleaning to providing companionship. They can function as a personal assistant to give seniors an extra hand around the home or help them stay engaged since some robots can respond to voice commands, play games or tell stories.
If you have difficulty maintaining a medication schedule, Hero Medication Dispenser can do it for you. This electronic pill dispenser can hold a 90-day supply of up to 10 medications and be programmed to dispense the correct daily pill combination at your preferred time. It even beeps and blinks after the pills are dispensed to send an extra reminder.
Royal Oaks is a leader in incorporating technology into senior living to help residents stay active, engaged and connected. Contact us today at 623-208-6621 to schedule a tour and learn more about our vibrant community.
