Wiregrass Seniors Magazine January 2019 JANUARY ISSUE | Página 27

Technology Tips: For Us Seniors
WiregrassSeniorsMagazine.com
The Latest Technology for Seniors
Usage of smart, internet-connected devices is becoming
the norm amongst people of all ages—even seniors
For the elderly, advanced technology and high-tech de-
vices make daily tasks easier and can enhance quality of
life. With technology, seniors have the tools and assis-
tance to be more independent.
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FALL DETECTION
MEDICAL ALERT
SYSTEMS - Technology has advanced to help protect
and save the lives of many elderly seniors. Fall detection
devices can sense when seniors are in dangerous situa-
tions, or when vitals change. With these systems, seniors
can alert caretakers or contact help by simply pressing a
button on a wristband or a necklace.
MEDICATION REMINDERS - There are many smart
devices, apps, and wearables that can make sure seniors
are taking the right pills at the right time. For example,
the AdhereTech internet-connected smart pill bottle glows
blue when it’s time to take medication, and if the senior
misses a dose, a chime goes off to remind them. It can
also alert caregivers or family members to missed doses.
VIDEO CHATTING - Advances in technology now al-
low individuals to communicate with their loved ones
wherever they may be. Facetime and Skype have shaped
the way we communicate with family and friends. Ad-
vancing camera capabilities, smartphone and tablet apps,
and user-friendly access make it easier to maintain con-
tact. Video chatting is a great way to foster social con-
nection among seniors who may not have as many oppor- FOOD AND GROCERY DELIVERY APPS
The ease and immediacy of food delivery apps and home
tunities to talk to others.
grocery delivery can have huge benefits to seniors —and
SOCIAL MEDIA - Believe it or not, many seniors have there are many reliable apps and local services out there.
active social media accounts. Platforms like Facebook, Apps including Uber Eats, GrubHub, Postmates, and
Instagram, and Twitter help seniors keep in touch with Seamless are expanding into more areas of the United
States, making it easier for seniors to quickly order food.
their children, grandchildren and friends. For caregivers
and family members, social media is also a great way to
SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY
keep tabs on how elderly family members are faring.
For most seniors, independence is very important. Home
assistive devices can help seniors handle everyday tasks,
GPS SYSTEMS - GPS technology can help seniors find
and can be especially helpful for seniors who may have
their way around town with easy-to-use apps compatible
cognitive or motor impairments.These devices include
with smartphones. Wearable tracking technology is ca-
LED lighting, auto stove shut-off systems, smart thermo-
pable of sending real-time GPS locations to friends and
stats, home security systems, smart outlets, smart smoke
family, offering safety and peace of mind.
or carbon monoxide detectors, smart garage openers, or
smart cookware.
LOW COST TRANSPORTATION - Seniors can use
apps like Uber and Lyft to schedule rides to hospitals or VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS
medical appointments and they don’t have to rely on Smart devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home
friends or relatives for transportation either, which could can be extremely helpful to all ages. Though they might
mean huge boosts in independence and
take some getting used to at first, virtual assistants can
confidence, as well as more flexibility and opportunities help seniors in all facets of everyday life—from reading
for social interaction.
a recipe out loud while preparing dinner, to compiling a
FINANCIAL PROTECTION - Financial exploitation
is one of the most common types of elder abuse in the
United States. Apps such as EverSafe alert seniors and
their relatives of any unusual financial activity within their
bank accounts.
dictated grocery list. In homes equipped with smart de-
vices, such as smart thermostats or locks, virtual assis-
tants can regulate temperature or increase security via
voice commands. hese devices allow seniors to listen to
audiobooks out loud,hear weather forecasts, and stay up-
dated on recent events.