While some older adults avoid technology, many others embrace it. Unfortunately, many gadgets and other tech don’t always come off as senior-friendly. However, if you shop around, it’s easy to find useful technology that is legitimately simple to use.
Easy-to-Use Tablet
A tablet is a great resource for seniors. They can use it to view photos, listen to music, browse the internet, do puzzles, play games, and stay connected to family and friends. Some older adults might need a touchscreen tablet that is more lightweight and allows you to easily adjust the font size. Most iPads will fit the bill but there’s something a little better for seniors: the GrandPad. The GrandPad features a simple set of 11 apps that are labeled with large icons. Photos and contacts are preloaded on the device by family. These make a wonderful addition to a senior’s stock of personal items when they are in assisted living or nursing care. It allows them to remain in contact with their loved ones and exercise their brains in their downtime.
Senior Smartphone
All smartphones are not created equal. In fact, many are extremely complicated for users of any age. That’s why you should look for a smartphone that is specifically geared toward older people. Jitterbug Smart2 from GreatCall is dubbed the “simplest smartphone ever.” It was created with seniors in mind and features a large display, easy-to-read buttons and icons, voice typing, and special health and safety features. For example, if the user were to have an emergency, they can push the 5Star button and be automatically connected to an agent from the 5Star Urgent Response team. This smartphone for seniors also offers brain games, daily health tips, check-in calls, and other features to keep older people safe and healthy.
Games, in particular, can be quite beneficial for seniors. For one thing, it’s a wonderful way to preserve mental acuity. For another, these can provide bonding opportunities for seniors and their grandkids as they can play certain games together, even from a distance. To maximize the experience, make sure to have a fast and stable internet connection, as well as a device that can handle the demands of such an activity.
Electronic Picture Frames
Staying connected to family is extremely important to seniors. One easy way to do that is through electronic picture frames. These frames continually rotate digital pictures of your choice. With the Skylight frame, you send photos to an email address and the picture frame automatically updates. Any family member with the email address can send the photos.
The photos are much larger than just on a phone, allowing seniors to enjoy them easily and at any time. In addition to the large display, seniors love that the tech is so easy to use and that it helps them stay connected to their family
Motion Sensor Lighting
According to the National Council on Aging, one in four Americans over the age of 65 falls each year. Seniors typically fall just doing day-to-day activities in their own homes, which is why increased lighting is essential. Installing motion sensor lighting inside and outside the home can help prevent falls and boost safety. Once motion sensor lighting is installed, it’s easy to use. In fact, you don’t have to do anything but walk in the area to trigger it. These can be helpful for seniors who want to maintain more independence by living at home.
Technology can help entertain seniors, as well as keep them safe. But tablets and other gadgets are useless if they are difficult for older people to handle or use. Thankfully, many companies have created technology that is designed especially for older folks.
For the best senior care options and other resources to help make getting older a breeze, explore The Avista Difference on our website.
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