4 Tools for Older Adults For Higher Quality of Life
A higher quality life is right around the corner with a few easy changes. Learn how seniors can use technology and other devices to improve their quality of life.
Tools that Help Seniors Live a Better Life
Having the right tools can make any job easier. And for seniors working to maintain their independence, the right tool can mean drastically improved quality of life. Whether you want to stay in touch with your grandkids, alleviate chronic pain, keep tabs on your blood pressure, or just need a reminder to take your meds, a little help can go a long way.
Smartphones
PewResearch has found that only 27% of seniors aged 65 and older have a smartphone and a vast majority of them describe their smartphone as “freeing”.
A smartphone can make anyone’s life a little easier. These days, a smartphone is all you need to read email, do research, make Skype™ calls, and connect with friends and family on social media. There are also a number of advantages to having a smartphone that are specific to seniors.
For instance, smartphones can make up for common senior deficits, like memory problems. With the right app, you can monitor medication use, keep track of physical activity, watch your blood pressure, and even play brain games to keep your mind sharp. For people who are out-of-touch with modern technology, GreatCall designs some of the best senior-friendly smartphones on the market, made to be intuitive enough for anyone to use.
Fitness Tracker
While smartphones can help monitor your health in several ways, they don’t hold a candle to the capabilities of a fitness tracker. With the right tracker, you can get detailed feedback about your physical activity, as well as your sleeping patterns, making sure you’re getting a healthy amount of both. You can track calories burned, distances traveled, and even the quality of your sleep. Being informed about your health is the fi rst step to making better health decisions, and a fitness tracker can provide you with all the data you need.
Dressing Aids
Few people appreciate the value of a dressing aid until they’ve tried one. In addition to the shoe horns that are already popular among many older adults, there are a wide range of aids that can help you get dressed. Whether you need to zip up, button up, fasten your jewelry, or simply put on some socks, there’s an aid that can help. For seniors who suffer from arthritis, dressing aids can even extend your flexibility and range of motion without unnecessary pain.
Gardening Kneeling Pads
A sedentary lifestyle is unhealthy regardless of your age, but it’s particularly dangerous for older adults. Too much time spent in sedentary activities increases your risk for a number of serious health problems, including obesity and hypertension. The boredom of a sedentary lifestyle can be just as dangerous, as it may lead to depression or an unhealthy loss of weight – also precursors for more serious health problems.
The best way to break free from a sedentary lifestyle is to fi nd an enjoyable active hobby. Gardening is one of the best choices because it combines fresh air, a productive activity, and a pleasurable way to pass the time. Gardening kneeling pads can help reduce or prevent joint pain caused by spending time on your knees in the garden. By distributing body weight evenly across the pad, you can reduce the stress on your joints, allowing you to focus on enjoyment.
If you need help caring for your loved one, contact Family Matters In-Home Care for a free consultation. We can help evaluate your loved one’s needs and are able to provide assistance from a few hours a day to full-time, 24/7 care.
