Keeping up with the latest technology can feel like a full-time job. It seems like more advances are made every day, and it can be difficult to discern what is worthwhile for you and your family. Luckily, among these advances are many wonderful options to make life easier for seniors and those they love.
Technology in the Home
Start your day with a specially designed clock to make waking up easy. Many alarm clocks on the market come with oversized numbers and bright screens that make it effortless to see the time in every circumstance. Some can be turned off through voice control. You can even buy ones that allow you or a loved one to record messages to play at specific times of the day to help you remember tasks or activities.
Digital pill dispensers make it easy to remember to take medicine at specific times throughout the day. TechRadar notes these dispensers can handle multiple prescriptions at one time, so you don’t have to worry about mixing up medications or taking incorrect dosages.
Voice-activated technology abounds in today’s market with many options integrated into smart technology for the home. One of the most popular is the smart speaker. Many families enjoy having these smart devices throughout their house operating on the same system. Using these speakers, you can check the time and weather, set alarms and play music. You can also ask them questions, such as if you can substitute baking powder for baking soda in a recipe, or who is playing against your favorite team in the ballgame tonight.
Many functional options for voice-activated technology provide convenient control of items in your home. Smart thermostats allow you to manage your temperature this way and help control your energy costs. Many companies have voice-activated lighting, so you don’t have to get up to turn off or dim the lights; simply command the lights to adjust to the setting you desire.
Voice-activated smart locks are a godsend for anyone who has ever lain in bed wondering if they remembered to lock the door. This Old House Notes that instead of getting up and checking, you can simply ask your smart device if you locked the door or not. Then you can instruct it to lock itself if you did forget. Smart home security setups and doorbells are also available for those who would like to embrace technology to feel safer.
Communication Devices
Few things are more important than being able to keep in touch with those you love most. Technology today makes it easier than ever to stay connected no matter the distance between you.
If you don’t have one already, consider upgrading to a smartphone. Not only will you be able to call and text from it like any other cell phone, but you can also use video to communicate with it. Video calling allows you to feel like you are in each other’s company, bringing you directly into the room where your granddaughter is showing you her dance routine or your son is introducing you to his new puppy.
Smartphones also give you access to thousands of applications that can enhance your life while making it easier. These include social media apps that allow you to connect with friends from afar and gaming apps that let you play your favorite adventures over the internet. Many apps have been designed specifically with seniors in mind, such as ones that help those with hearing difficulties by providing live captions.
If you are brand new to smartphones, you need to understand that it’s much easier to damage them than traditional flip phones. Be sure you have a case for your smartphone to protect it from falls and other damaging events. Cases really do prevent or minimize damage, and they are a good investment considering how much the latest smartphones cost to buy or repair.
Video Games
You might be surprised to learn there are many senior-friendly video games available these days. Online games are an opportunity for friends and family to interact from anywhere. Plus, as New Cyber Senior points out, many of today’s video games offer mental and physical health benefits for seniors.
For instance, Super Mario 3D can help stimulate the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain which manages memory retention. Plus games encourage eye-hand coordination, social activity and are just plain fun. For an optimal gaming experience, aim for 5G ultra wideband internet service. Otherwise, you might encounter frustrating lagging and buffering.
New technology can be daunting but finding items that enrich your life makes it worth the effort. Research your options, decide what is best for you and take the plunge. You and your loved ones will be glad you did.
About the Author
Jillian Day created 508Assist to help people all across the web make their sites accessible to individuals with disabilities. She was inspired to start 508Assist when a close family member, who happens to have a visual impairment, had trouble finding a dinner recipe online that he could read easily. When she’s not chasing after her little ones, Jillian enjoys being outside, whether she’s fishing, hiking, or Geocaching with her family.