The global population is aging. Recent United Nations (UN) data shows that life expectancy has grown by nine years since 1990 and reached 72.8 years in 2019. The growth can be attributed to improved public health, better healthcare and nutrition, and technological innovations.
New technologies helped increase life expectancy worldwide and meet the evolving demands and needs of an aging population. If you want to know how technologies are helping today’s elderly, read this short article about the benefits of technology use for seniors. After reading, you will have a clear picture of how new tech devices are improving the quality of life of your older family members.
5 Benefits of Tech Devices for Seniors
Knowing the benefits of technology for seniors can help you determine the best ways to use new digital devices and solutions to help your elderly loved ones at home. This section outlines how technology can make life easier and better for them.
1. Ensures safety during emergencies
In an emergency, different technological devices can give you peace of mind for your parents or grandparents’ safety.
For example, if they are alone at home and get hurt, they can call for help using their phone or a monitoring device. They can also use video cameras, window and door alarms, and other security systems to help them feel protected and safe even when alone.
2. Makes life easier
Thanks to recent technological advances, seniors can easily shop for groceries or other necessary items online. Today, countless delivery apps and platforms allow users to shop online and deliver the products to their front door.
There are also services that provide seniors with a refill of anything with a simple press of a button. Older people can use these services to get various items like paper towels, clothes, and food delivered to their homes.
These new solutions offer a new level of convenience to seniors who are too tired or busy to go out daily.
3. Strengthens personal relationships
It is true that nothing can ever replace physical connections and in-person quality time with friends and family. However, social media allows us to stay informed about the lives of our loved ones who we cannot see daily.
Moreover, older people often do not have the energy to leave their homes to visit friends and other family members. Fortunately, they can rely on video chats, texts, and social media sites to strengthen personal relationships with others, no matter where they are.
4. Updates them on current events
Many seniors still like to read the news and get information from traditional media like local news shows or newspapers. However, reading news from their tablets, phones, or computers can be a more convenient way to stay updated.
Additionally, the information they can get online is not limited to news and current events. They can browse the web for crucial information about senior discounts or pensions.
For example, senior entrepreneurs can visit the official websites of government agencies to get financial support for their businesses. Meanwhile, elderly veterans can visit the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website to learn if they are eligible for certain benefits, how they can apply for VA home loans, or how to get health care support.
5. Keeps them entertained
Today, seniors can download countless games and hobby applications on a phone, PC, or tablet. Moreover, there are high-quality movie and television streaming services that are user-friendly. Older adults can stream films and TV shows from their phones, tablets, or TVs to stay entertained the whole day.
You can now buy your elderly loved ones a TV set with streaming service apps installed so they can rewatch their favorite TV shows and movies using a remote.
Examples of Modern Tech Devices for Seniors
Technology is especially beneficial to the growing number of seniors choosing to live independently. This lifestyle choice highlights new technological devices that simplify daily activities.
Smart plugs
A smart plug can be a simple and budget-friendly way to automate any plug-in tech or appliance at home. The plugs allow seniors to pair and control various devices with their smartphones.
After pairing, users can turn devices on and off using their phone from anywhere in the house. Moreover, seniors can use voice commands or a smart speaker. This feature makes it easy for older people with poor vision and limited mobility to control commonly used devices.
Automatic can openers
Opening jars and cans can be challenging regardless of age or strength. This task becomes even more challenging as you grow older because you start to lose grip strength. Certain medical conditions, like arthritis, can exacerbate this difficulty.
If you want to save your elderly family member from this trouble, you can buy them automatic can opener and jar opener tools. This device can make life easier for seniors who spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
GrandPad
GrandPad is a touch-screen tablet computer designed for seniors. The device features a more user-friendly interface than traditional mobile tablets, so older people will have no problems using it.
This tablet allows users to engage in video chats, look at pictures, check current events, and send messages.
Automatic pill dispensers
Pill organizers are practical tools that help seniors keep track of different medications. However, these pill boxes do not give out reminders to the users to take their medicine.
With an automatic pill dispenser, you can fill up and program the dispenser by placing daily meds into compartments and setting timers to release the medications at specific times. The tool has an auditory and visual alarm that triggers when it is time to take the pill.
The dispenser has a compartment that opens and dispenses the pill. With this tool, seniors no longer have to monitor multiple bottles and dosages of medications.
Robotic vacuums
Vacuuming can be a draining chore, especially for older people. If you want to make your parents’ or grandparents’ lives easier, you can get them robotic vacuums. A robotic vacuum cleaner seamlessly moves from one surface of a room to another. These cleaners can dock themselves and empty the debris without needing human interference.
With this tool in your elderly loved one’s living room, they can live more comfortably in a clean, dust-free home.
Toilet lights
Toilet lights can keep the bathroom well-lit, lowering the risk of accidents and falls. If your senior loved ones already have night lights and night lamps, you should also consider installing toilet lights in the baths.
Improve the Quality of Life of Your Older Family Members Using Technology
While social interaction plays a crucial role in seniors’ physical, mental, and emotional health, technology can also be an effective way to keep them engaged and socially active. With the right technologies, your elderly loved ones can independently live a happy, comfortable life.
mproving the quality of life for older family members through technology is a thoughtful and practical approach. Start by introducing them to user-friendly devices like smartphones and tablets with larger screens and simplified interfaces. These gadgets can keep them connected to loved ones through video calls and messaging apps, reducing feelings of isolation.
Additionally, consider smart home devices that enhance safety and convenience. Smart doorbells with cameras allow them to see visitors before answering the door, while voice-activated assistants can help with tasks and answer questions. Medication reminder apps ensure they never miss a dose, and wearable health trackers can monitor vital signs, providing peace of mind.
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