[Updated: April 26, 2018 | Published: October 23, 2017]
No matter if we are 17 or 70, there’s no doubt that technology plays a huge role in our lives. Senior citizens are often stereotyped as not being early technology adapters, but times are changing. According to a recent study 67% of seniors use the Internet and 42% use Smartphones.
Aside from computers and phones, what other technology we be using as we age? Here are some of our favorites.
For safety:
Medication management device – Managing medication can be confusing, especially as we age and have more medicine to take each day. There are a variety of medication management apps and devices to help keep you on track with daily reminders.
S.O.S. safety device – Personal emergency response systems can be used to call for assistance during an emergency. Some devices even work outside your home so you can feel safe no matter where you are.
GPS insoles – For residents with memory impairments such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, this technology is a great way for family members to keep track of their loved ones’ whereabouts. These are GPS trackers in shoes that can be set to send a notification if the user has left the house.
For fun:
Skype or FaceTime – If you don’t live close to your family, Skype and FaceTime are great ways to stay in touch via a face-to-face conversation. You can watch your grandchildren grow up before your very eyes.
Fitness tracker – Okay, so this may not be fun for everyone, but for those who like to get competitive with friends and see who can walk the most steps in a day – this is the tech piece for you!
Transportation apps – With apps like Uber and Lyft, you don’t have to stay at your apartment just because you don’t drive. These ride services are easy to use and can help you continue exploring the city in retirement.
These are just a few of our favorite tech options for seniors. By this time next year, the list will probably be doubled with all the new options coming out on a regular basis. What’s your favorite new technology? Let us know in the comments below!
