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Are you a caregiver for your parents or an older relative? If you are – you know how hard it is to stay on top of what’s going on the person you are helping while still working and taking care of your own family. I am grateful for the advances in technology from Alexa (my Mom never charges her phone – sometimes Alexa is the only way I can get in touch) to automatic medicine dispensers to Instacart and more. They allow me to be there for her when otherwise I couldn’t.
How Smart Technology Benefits Seniors
One of the most frustrating parts of aging is losing your independence. It becomes harder and harder to do things we take for granted. Smart technology for seniors can provide a helping hand and help your loved ones to maintain their independence.
Using these tools can help keep your senior loved one safe – because you can reach them (and they can reach you) in an emergency. One of the silver linings of the Covid pandemic is that Zoom is now pretty much universal – seniors who live far from family – can connect with family and friends across town or across the world.
Wearable technology (like an Apple Watch) can help motivate seniors to stay active. The watch can also send an emergency alert when the wearer falls. Seniors can make calls from their wrist (just like Dick Tracy!) If they can’t get to the phone. The watches can also monitor heart rate, sleep patterns etc. These patterns can be used to help seniors stay on top of their health and identify any possible problems early on.
Making Smart Technology Easier for Seniors
One of the primary barriers to senior using technology is cost. Many seniors are on a fixed income and can’t afford the latest gadgets. Fortunately, the most basic models are all that’s needed. When you upgrade to the next model of your gadget, consider giving your old gadget to Grandma.
The other hurdle is making sure that the devices are easy to use. I bought a bluetooth phone for my Mom and hooked to her cell phone. Not only was the phone oddly difficult to set up – you had to push extra buttons to turn off bluetooth in order to answer the cell phone. This would be annoying to most people but it was a deal killer for my 80+ year old Mom.
To overcome these issues, you need choose the right gadgets and be patient and willing to teach your loved one. One they “get it” – they’ll appreciate how the technology can help them.
Tips for Choosing the Right Tech for Seniors
- Make sure the devices are easy to use and to understand.
- Pick devices that can be customized and set up to meet your loved ones needs. Often you can assign shortcuts etc to lessen the learning curve.
- Don’t pick the newest, latest and greatest devices. Hand me downs in good working order an be an affordable option.
- Prioritize safety and security. Seniors want to be sure that their personal information is safe.