Gear And Gadgets To Improve Your Life As A Senior
As a senior, you likely feel younger than your birth certificate would suggest. Because of this, you’re probably active and live a full life. But the kids and grandkids want to keep tabs on where you are and what you’re doing. Unfortunately, your idea of communication may be very different. That’s okay, because today’s technology makes it easier than ever to get up close and personal with your loved ones no matter where you are, and new gear can improve your life in ways you may not have considered.
Budget Considerations
One of the first things that may come to your mind when it comes to new technology is price. Many devices and services are still emerging, and their benefits are finally starting to be recognized.
The VA has actually been a forerunner in the fight to provide senior veterans with health home services, which includes assisted-living technologies. Medicare is beginning to keep pace, and back in October, President Trump signed new orders that open the door for Medicare to provide additional services and coverages for seniors looking to enhance their lives with technology.
If you need more information about Medicare and VA benefits, the VetRest blog offers resources that can clarify many of your most pressing concerns about financial aid.
Keeping Up With The Kids
One of the most beneficial technologies to emerge over the last decade is video calling. Not only does this allow you to see the faces of your children and grandchildren when you talk, but it’s also a great way to share what’s going on in your life. For example, if you are traveling, you can show off the view by simply switching the camera being used.
Keep in mind that your internet speed will weigh into how well this works for you. You will need a fast connection for the clearest picture, so if you live in an area where broadband or fiber-optic service is not available, you may need to look into LTE home internet through companies like Verizon.
Kids Keeping Up With You
If you’re in the early stages of dementia or suffering from other cognitive decline, your family can better keep up with you via a GPS tracker. These wearable devices are non-intrusive, affordable, and offer real-time location updates. And if you take medications, you and your children might feel better with an automated pill reminder that can keep you on track with your medicines.
According to the This Caring Home caregiver blog, automated pill boxes usually offer storage for at least a week's worth of medicine. They will sound an alarm when it’s time to take a dose. Many even come equipped with smart features that can alert you or your loved ones if you have not taken your medicine. This takes the guesswork out of your health routine, and offers peace of mind to your loved ones when they can’t be there to monitor your medicine intake.
Additional Tech
Other ideas for technology that can keep you and your loved ones connected include:
Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you are slowing down or don’t feel many years younger than you are. Because of this, keeping in touch with your friends and family is even more important now than ever before. The good news is that technology makes it possible, meaning you don’t have to sit around and wait for a phone call to let your loved ones know where you are and what you’re doing. And, as a veteran, you may have access to special funding or benefits that make it an affordable addition to your lifestyle improvement arsenal.
As a senior, you likely feel younger than your birth certificate would suggest. Because of this, you’re probably active and live a full life. But the kids and grandkids want to keep tabs on where you are and what you’re doing. Unfortunately, your idea of communication may be very different. That’s okay, because today’s technology makes it easier than ever to get up close and personal with your loved ones no matter where you are, and new gear can improve your life in ways you may not have considered.
Budget Considerations
One of the first things that may come to your mind when it comes to new technology is price. Many devices and services are still emerging, and their benefits are finally starting to be recognized.
The VA has actually been a forerunner in the fight to provide senior veterans with health home services, which includes assisted-living technologies. Medicare is beginning to keep pace, and back in October, President Trump signed new orders that open the door for Medicare to provide additional services and coverages for seniors looking to enhance their lives with technology.
If you need more information about Medicare and VA benefits, the VetRest blog offers resources that can clarify many of your most pressing concerns about financial aid.
Keeping Up With The Kids
One of the most beneficial technologies to emerge over the last decade is video calling. Not only does this allow you to see the faces of your children and grandchildren when you talk, but it’s also a great way to share what’s going on in your life. For example, if you are traveling, you can show off the view by simply switching the camera being used.
Keep in mind that your internet speed will weigh into how well this works for you. You will need a fast connection for the clearest picture, so if you live in an area where broadband or fiber-optic service is not available, you may need to look into LTE home internet through companies like Verizon.
Kids Keeping Up With You
If you’re in the early stages of dementia or suffering from other cognitive decline, your family can better keep up with you via a GPS tracker. These wearable devices are non-intrusive, affordable, and offer real-time location updates. And if you take medications, you and your children might feel better with an automated pill reminder that can keep you on track with your medicines.
According to the This Caring Home caregiver blog, automated pill boxes usually offer storage for at least a week's worth of medicine. They will sound an alarm when it’s time to take a dose. Many even come equipped with smart features that can alert you or your loved ones if you have not taken your medicine. This takes the guesswork out of your health routine, and offers peace of mind to your loved ones when they can’t be there to monitor your medicine intake.
Additional Tech
Other ideas for technology that can keep you and your loved ones connected include:
- Social media accounts – Facebook and other platforms are an easy way to share photographs, text messages, and see what your family has been up to.
- Remote-monitored security system – A smart security system offers your loved ones an opportunity to make sure that the house is locked and the lights are on or off if you forget to or are out of town.
- Emergency alert system – if you have fallen and you can’t get up, an emergency alert system, like a tracking device, is a piece of wearable technology that will allow you to call for help when you need it most.
Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you are slowing down or don’t feel many years younger than you are. Because of this, keeping in touch with your friends and family is even more important now than ever before. The good news is that technology makes it possible, meaning you don’t have to sit around and wait for a phone call to let your loved ones know where you are and what you’re doing. And, as a veteran, you may have access to special funding or benefits that make it an affordable addition to your lifestyle improvement arsenal.