Technology has certainly changed the way we socialize, shop, find information, and bank. It is also having a significant impact on the lives of senior citizens, particularly in the realm of elder care. There are over 43 million seniors in the United States alone, and that number is growing by leaps and bounds each and every year. For example, there are approximately 76 million baby boomers that will reach senior status in the immediate future.

Although the vast and sudden increase in the elderly population may put a strain on the healthcare system, the good news is that advances in technology will go a long way in alleviating the burden. In fact, senior care has improved by considerable measures due to the current development of smartphone and GPS technologies. It is a fairly simple formula for success. As the elderly population grows, technology will grow right along with it.

According to Caring Senior Advisor, the current advances in technology enable elderly patients to transition from their current homes to Independent Living communities and Assisted Senior living facilities in a far easier manner. In essence, it is the perfect situation for seniors that require monitoring, but do not need around the clock care. So without further ado, the following information will provide you with ways that technology can help seniors live a better life.

Smartphone Applications Can Help Seniors Live A Better Life

Did you know that smartphone application technology could help both senior citizens and caregivers in a variety of ways? Seniors can monitor things like their heart rate, medication dosages, and even their location when they are suffering from memory loss and suddenly do not know where they are with the use of any basic smartphone. Smartphone applications are also extremely helpful for caregivers and family alike.

Information can be easily collected and then sent to doctors in order to monitor how seniors are impacted by age, how they are doing with mobility, and how their medication is affecting them. Applications also enable family members to keep track of their loved ones, and know exactly where they are at all times. This feature can be exceptionally useful when a family member notices that the senior’s activity has decreased. In addition, smartphone applications can help occupy an elderly person’s time.

For example, there are countless applications available that provide seniors with the ability to read books on their laptop, tablet, or smartphone. There are other apps that allow seniors to stay up to date on the latest news, weather, and sports, and plenty of applications that can occupy their time with a variety of games. 

Implants And Patches Can Help Seniors Live A Better Life

It goes without saying that the numerous health related issues, that are associated with aging, can be overwhelming to take care of all at once. The good news is that some of these issues can be alleviated with advanced implants and patches. A good example is diabetic care. When people grow older they become far more susceptible to type 2 diabetes, which requires a significant amount of blood testing in order to maintain a healthy life.

It can be incredibly difficult for seniors to poke themselves, apply the blood to the test strip, and then operate the blood glucose monitor correctly. They often receive inaccurate readings and either perform the procedure a second time, or give up entirely. The good news is that there is now a glucose sensor that provides seniors with the ability to simply waive a transmitter over a patch that is placed on the body.

The system gives instant and accurate blood glucose readings. Technology such as this can help ease the burden and stress that seniors face when taking care of themselves. It also provides vital data and trends that can be reported to doctors in order to develop the best healthcare plan for elderly patients.

Virtual Assistants And Robots Can Help Seniors Live A Better Life

There are many devices that provide seniors with the ability to receive help, and to further understand their daily medical duties such as exercising and taking prescriptions without a person being there to remind them. Seniors can even have robots roaming through their homes in order to remind them to take their medications, browse digital content, connect with their family and friends, and listen to their favorite music. These virtual assistants and robots come with automated voices that allow seniors to feel as if someone is physically there to help them. In essence, this provides a sense of community, which is extremely important to the elderly as they age.