Senior citizens are catching up with their digital native grandchildren at a rapid pace and adapting to the fast-paced tech advancements in the world. Seniors have become accustomed to using various tools and social media which only makes it natural for them to become more curious about the tools suited to their lifestyle.

People as old as 90 years old are using smartphones, tablets and have access to the internet. This makes it easier for them to use tools like Tandem Careplaning to easily navigate their way through everyday living.

Technology has the power to transform the very concept of assisted living and dignify the experience of the elderly. Here is a quick guide to some great gadgets for older citizens.

The smartphone

A smartphone is a good place to start for a variety of reasons and can help the elderly in many ways - given the innovation in apps and sensory detection. Mobile devices empower the elderly to do more than simply video call their children or grandchildren.

It also allows for easy access to the internet, and there are apps to track everything from emails, news, weather and even blood pressure. Pharmacies and clinics have also made it possible to use apps to have medication delivered to a senior’s home, thus limiting physical visits to the doctor and a pharmacy.

Generally, the smartphone is a great replacement for a PC and is far easier to carry around and easy access.

GPS

Knowing one’s way around any place is necessary and for the elderly, this tool can mitigate a lot of stress when it comes to finding a place. Sometimes, senior citizens develop an interest in traveling the world and perhaps decide to relocate to a new town to enjoy their retirement.

Of course, wherever they are, they should be able to get around with ease, even if they are not familiar with the language or their surroundings. GPS location can also be shared and stored. Should anything happen, a family can be able to trace them back to their last known location.

Wearable Gadgets

Wearable gadgets can range from fitness monitors to small tracking devices to ensure the optimal health and safety of a senior citizen. Fitness trackers are great to wear because they encourage exercise and track the health of the heart which is good to know.

If an elderly person develops a disease like Alzheimer’s, then they are able to easily be located if they wear a tracking device.

Elders with heart problems can also wear gadgets that allow medical professionals to be alerted should they have a heart attack. Most wearable technology for seniors is ideal for ensuring optimal health and knowing their location at all times.

Transportation Apps

For some elders driving becomes a challenge and using public transport can be a hassle. The joy of apps like Uber and Lyft is that it comes to your location and this is important for elderly citizens.

It empowers them without having to bother their children or grandkids to drive them around and they get to decide where and when they want to go. Transport apps limit dependency and ensure that the elderly citizen is well taken care of.

The bottom line

Technology is not something to be enjoyed from a distance by the elderly and they are also seeing the benefits of being part of the tech revolution. These tools are a great start and an excellent way to introduce ways to ease the experiences of elderly citizens. It also bridges the gap between generations, making it easier for seniors and younger generations to connect.