5 Helpful Technology & Tools for Older Adults to Live Independently

02 Oct 5 Helpful Technology & Tools for Older Adults to Live Independently

“The technology you use impresses no one. The experience you create with it is everything.” — Sean Gerety.

Technology is known to support everyone’s daily routine, including older adults. From connecting us with others, activating smart appliances, receiving reminders and many more. Technology is helping seniors stay in control of their lives while reducing the need for constant in-person assistance. These tools empower seniors to monitor their health, stay connected with loved ones, and easily manage household tasks.

In this blog, we’ll list helpful technologies and tools that make independent living a breeze.  

1. Digital Health Apps

There are many health apps that you can download to your smartphone. These digital aids can help remind and track your wellness, with the aim to assist your overall health.

Medical Assistance Apps

Medical assistance apps can help you to book appointments, save health information, and receive medication reminders. Seniors can also seamlessly track their medical history and share the data with their health service providers. 

Some well-known medical assistance apps in Malaysia are AIA+ Malaysia, Blue Book and Book Doc. 

Apps for Exercise & Wellness

Exercise and wellness apps often allow seniors to track their progress over time, such as counting daily steps, monitoring calories burned, or monitoring their flexibility improvement. Seeing progress can motivate seniors to stay consistent and work towards personal health goals.

But remember to do the exercises at your own pace and not overdo it. 

2. Health and Fitness Wearables

Wearable health and fitness devices have become essential tools for seniors looking to maintain their well-being and independence.

Fitness Trackers

Fitness trackers such as Fitbit and Samsung Watch can monitor your physical activity, steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns. For example, if you feel fatigued during the day, you can scan through your fitness tracker for any routine abnormalities.

Sleep Tracking Devices

Sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind. A lack of sleep could cause you to feel moody or lose focus during the day. A sleep-tracking device can help monitor your sleep quality and record your sleeping patterns. 

You can also track unhealthy habits that are affecting your sleep quality.

3. Communication Tools

Connect with others effortlessly with advanced communication tools. These tools make it easier for older seniors to maintain relationships with family and friends — even vice versa!

Video Chat Platforms

Video chat platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and FaceTime offer user-friendly interfaces accessible to all, including older adults. These platforms help you to stay in touch with your loved ones, no matter where they are.

Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp help seniors keep updated on their family, friends, and social group activities. You can share pictures of your recent adventure, ask for recommendations perhaps on the best helpful technology for older adults, or join online communities for a particular interest. 

Accessibility Features on Tablets for Seniors

Most tablets, like iPads or Android devices, have built-in accessibility features that can be adjusted to meet individual needs. You can set your tablet according to your preferences by increasing text size, using voice commands, or improving hearing aid compatibility.

4. Helpful Home Tools

Living independently with helpful home tools makes life 100 times easier. Smart home devices can help you save energy, time and increase your security.

Automated Pill Dispensers

Automated pill dispensers can organise and dispense medications at scheduled times. This support can help prevent missed doses or accidentally consuming higher doses than a doctor prescribes.

Others:

• Electric Jar Opener – An electric jar opener is suitable for older adults with arthritis or limited wrist movement. It can help you independently access food and beverages without problem by reducing injury and wrist movement.

• Motion Sensor Lights – Motion sensor lighting can illuminate areas when needed and ensure safety, especially while walking up and down the stairs. This can reduce the risk of falls and injuries.

• Coffee Maker – Nothing beats the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning! Set up your coffee maker the night before to enjoy this privilege. 

5. Travel & Outdoor Assistance

Double your safety and convenience with travel and outdoor technology assistance. 

Travel Apps

• Booking apps – Booking apps such as Agoda, Booking.com or Trip.com make reservations easy by streamlining the reservation process.

• Travel apps – Travel apps, such as Rome2Rio, can assist you in planning your local or international travel via plane, train, bus, ferry and car.  If you only travel locally, you can also try travel apps such as KTMB Mobile and MyRapid Pulse. 

Don’t forget to check out the senior citizens discount (if any)!

• Google Maps or Waze – These apps can suggest the best route, public transit info, and traffic updates

• Google Translator – Google Translator helps you translate any foreign language into the language you desire. 

Personal Safety Tools

• GPS tracker
  GPS trackers such as Airtag can prevent you from losing important items. You can attach the small device to your keys, wallets, or hearing aids. It is also a valuable tool for older adults at risk of wandering.

• Safety alarms, SOS settings on the phone
  Get help promptly by installing safety alarms at home and activating the SOS features on your phone when you are out.
  

• Power banks
  Power banks allow you to charge your electronics while travelling without a wall outlet. So, you can call for help or use any apps during an emergency. 

Embrace Helpful Technology for Safer Independence

Take advantage of these technologies as it helps to increase older adults’ independence, improve health and wellness, enhance safety and security, and connect with others without struggle.

It may take some time to familiarise yourself with these technologies, but there is always time to learn, adjust and adapt it as part of your lifestyle. With helpful technology, you can live independently better and smarter. 

“So many things are possible just as long as you don’t know they’re impossible.” — Norton Juster

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